Taxonomy, evolution, biogeography and palaeoenvironmental significance of Victorian Paleogene ostracoda

Twenty-nine Paleogene Ostracoda (Crustacea) assemblages from the Otway Basin, Victoria, Australia are described, 10 new taxa identified, descriptions and stratigraphic ranges of other taxa extended, and palaeoenvironmental interpretations suggested. Cytherella with reversed valve overlaps are investigated, new taxa described, and their migration, evolution and relationships discussed. The first example of a platycopid species having both normal and reversed valve overlap is described. Evidence suggesting a Late Paleocene south-flowing current down the West Australian coast, and for a latest Paleocene–earliest Eocene breach of the Tasmanian land-bridge are presented. A technique for photographing and enhancing images of microscopic specimens was developed.