Paleoecological analysis of molluscan assemblages in two marl deposits in Waterloo Region, southwestern Ontario, Canada

Mollusc assemblages were studied in two marl deposits at Kitchener and Cambridge, in southwestern Ontario. Lacking datable terrestrial plant material, a chronology was determined by pollen analysis. Similarities in mollusc assemblages and changes allowed five equivalent mollusc assemblage zones to be identified in the two deposits, spanning approximately 12 to 7 ka. In total, 34 mollusc taxa were identified, with 19 common to both sites. Overall, the most abundant taxa were Valvata spp., Gyraulus parvus, Pisidium casertanum, and P. ferrugineum. Terrestrial molluscs (four taxa) were rare. Overall, cool, shallow water with abundant vegetation and quiet conditions were indicated. At around 9 ka, a marked decrease in mollusc abundance and diversity, but relatively stable percentages, is noted at both sites. We speculate this was caused by an increase in sedimentation rate, perhaps caused by a brief warming.