This paper analyses the possibilities of the statistical techniques in the treatment of marine ostracod populations, with the indication of the commonest problems observed in the different stages (sampling,
laboratory procedures, recognition of the biocoenosis). Some additional chapters indicate the most important limitations for the application of bivariate or multivariate techniques. In both cases, results can be considered as a graphic development of the initial database and never as the main support of the conclusions.Junta de AndalucíaUniversidad de Huelv