Fusulinid Zonation and Paleogeographic Framework of Late Paleozoic Successions

Fusulinid foraminifera represent one of the most reliable biostratigraphic tools for subdividing Late Paleozoic carbonate successions, particularly across the Carboniferous–Permian interval. fusulinid zonation and its application to reconstructing the paleogeographic framework of Late Paleozoic sedimentary basins. Detailed taxonomic assessment and stratigraphic distribution of key fusulinid genera, including Fusulina, Triticites, Pseudoschwagerina, and Neoschwagerina, enable the establishment of high-resolution biozones correlated across regional and intercontinental sections. The vertical succession of fusulinid assemblages reflects evolutionary trends, faunal turnovers, and extinction patterns associated with major tectonic and climatic events, including Late Carboniferous glaciation and Permian greenhouse conditions. Quantitative analysis of species diversity and morphological variation provides insights into paleobathymetry, carbonate platform development, and basin connectivity. Distinct provincialism between the Tethyan, Panthalassan, and Boreal realms is recognized, demonstrating the influence of paleolatitude, ocean circulation, and plate configuration on fusulinid distribution.  Integration of fusulinid biostratigraphy with sedimentological and paleogeographic data allows reconstruction of paleoplatform architecture, marine transgression–regression cycles, and paleoclimatic gradients during the Late Paleozoic. the significance of fusulinid zonation not only for chronostratigraphic subdivision but also for refining global correlations and understanding paleobiogeographic evolution prior to the end-Permian mass extinction.