(Table T1) Stratigraphic distribution of phytoliths at ODP Site 188-1165 and 188-1166 sediments (continental slope)

Rare phytoliths are described from Late Cretaceous to Quaternary deep-sea sediments from Sites 1165 and 1166, Prydz Bay, East Antarctica. The phytoliths are comparable to modern tree/shrub, grass, and fern forms, although some may be modern contaminants. Spherical tree/shrub phytoliths are the most common, occurring particularly in the lower middle to middle Miocene core sections at Site 1165. All phytolith forms observed (except irregular and folded sphericals) have been previously described in other Antarctic sediments. The low phytolith abundances in the cores probably result from a combination of factors including the substantial distance offshore of the drill sites, taphonomic influences (low source production, soil dissolution, and dilution of terrigenous material during transport and deposition), and silica diagenesis downhole.