Heterohelicidae

Heterohelicidae is a family of extinct planktonic foraminifera, which are single-celled organisms with shells. These organisms lived in marine environments and are found in the fossil record from the Cretaceous period. Foraminifera are characterized by their intricate shells, or tests, which are secreted by the organism. Heterohelicidae species are known for their biserial or planispiral coiling patterns in their early growth stages, often developing into a more complex arrangement in later stages.

The shells of Heterohelicidae are typically calcareous, meaning they are made of calcium carbonate. Their fossils are valuable for paleontologists and geologists as they can be used to reconstruct past marine environments and determine the age of rock layers. The distribution of these fossils can also provide insights into ocean currents and water masses during the Cretaceous. The family Heterohelicidae contains several genera, each with distinct morphological features that allow for their classification. These microfossils are abundant in many Cretaceous marine sediments, making them important index fossils for biostratigraphy. Their study contributes to our understanding of the evolution and diversification of marine life during this significant geological period.