Hantkenina

Hantkenina is an extinct genus of planktonic foraminifera, single-celled organisms with shells, that lived during the Eocene epoch. These microfossils are particularly important in biostratigraphy, meaning they are used to date rock layers. The genus is characterized by its distinctive shell structure, which features large, tubular chambers that protrude outwards, giving the organism a spiky appearance. This unique morphology makes Hantkenina easily identifiable and a valuable marker for specific geological time intervals.

The fossils of Hantkenina are found in marine sediments worldwide, indicating that these organisms were widespread in ancient oceans. Their presence helps scientists reconstruct past environments and understand the geological history of the Earth. The Eocene epoch, during which Hantkenina flourished, was a period of significant global warming and biodiversity changes. Studying Hantkenina provides insights into the marine ecosystems of this era.

The classification of Hantkenina has been subject to revisions by paleontologists as new discoveries and analytical techniques emerge. However, its distinctive features have consistently placed it within the superfamily Chiloguembelinacea. The extinction of Hantkenina, like many other planktonic foraminifera, is often linked to major environmental shifts or changes in oceanographic conditions at the end of the Eocene or early Oligocene. The detailed study of Hantkenina continues to contribute to our understanding of marine paleontology and the evolution of life in Earth's oceans.