On the Tertiary genus Soudanella Apostolescu (1961) (Ostracoda, Crustacea)

Abstract. The mainly Paleogene ostracod genus Soudanella Apostolescu (1961) is revised and quantitative aspects of its variability analysed by multivariate and geometric statistical methods. The role of ornamental polymorphism in the genus is considered, but dismissed on the weight of evidence, albeit indirect, for true specific identity of each of the three forms. The palaeo-biogeographical importance of Soudanella is reviewed.