A New Method for Description of Smooth Ostracod Shells, Using Permian and Triassic Ostracods from Eastern Europe

Smooth ostracods have a limited set of diagnostic features due to the lack of sculpture on the surface of the shell. The main species characteristics include the shell outline on the lateral and dorsal sides. The lack of a unified terminology has led to uninformative descriptions of Permian and Triassic smooth ostracods. The article presents a new method for measuring the parameters characterizing the ostracod shell shape. Based on these parameters and their ratios, terms are introduced to describe the species. The new method, in conjunction with statistical analysis, will help solve biological, environmental and biostratigraphic issues.