Foraminiferas

Foraminiferas are a large group of amoeboid protists characterized by the presence of a test, or shell, which can be made of organic compounds or can be agglutinated from foreign particles or secreted from calcium carbonate. These shells are often perforated and may have multiple chambers. Foraminiferas are found in all oceans, from the intertidal zone to the deepest trenches, and are also present in some brackish and freshwater environments.

The majority of foraminiferas are marine and planktonic or benthic. Planktonic species drift in the water column, while benthic species live on the seafloor. Their tests vary greatly in size and shape, with some being microscopic and others visible to the naked eye. The structure and composition of the test are important features used in their classification.

Foraminiferas play a significant role in marine ecosystems and the geological record. They are an important food source for various marine organisms. Fossil foraminiferas are widely used in biostratigraphy to date sedimentary rocks and in paleoceanography to reconstruct past ocean conditions. Their abundance and diverse morphologies make them valuable indicators of environmental change. Many species have a complex life cycle involving alternating sexual and asexual generations.