Abstract
Paleoecological analyses based on the wall structure of the genus Loftusia were carried out in the Maastrichtian deposits of seven outcrops of the Zagros Basin. Two types of particles are present within the wall structure: (1) tiny fossil grains and (2) detrital grains. Tiny fossil grains consist of smaller foraminifera and other small microorganism tests. Foraminiferal tests are associated with miliolid, textulariid, and rotaliid forms. Detrital grains include intraclasts and extraclasts. The presence of different particles in the test wall of this genus and the abundance of this genus in nutrient-rich conditions indicate that Loftusia are probably opportunistic foraminifera. This genus preferred to live in lagoonal environments with high hydrodynamic energy and hypersaline conditions. Tectonic processes prevented Loftusia from migrating to other basins (central Iran, Alborz, east of the Neotethys, and North Africa). In addition, the nutrient input into the Neotethys basin affected the distribution and diversity of Loftusia species.