Miliolididae

Miliolididae is a family of foraminifera, which are single-celled organisms belonging to the kingdom Protista. These marine organisms are characterized by their distinctive shell, or test, which is typically composed of calcium carbonate. The test of miliolid species is often divided into chambers, and the arrangement and coiling of these chambers are key features used in their classification. A common characteristic of the Miliolididae family is the development of their chambers in a biserial or triserial arrangement, often appearing as a curved or coiled structure. Some species exhibit a milky or porcelain-like appearance of their test, which is a result of the composition and texture of the calcite.

Miliolid foraminifera are found in a wide variety of marine environments, from shallow coastal waters to deeper ocean basins, and are particularly abundant in tropical and subtropical regions. They play a role in marine ecosystems as both consumers and as producers of calcium carbonate, contributing to the sediment composition of the seafloor. Fossilized tests of Miliolididae are significant in paleontology, as they can be used to reconstruct past marine environments and as index fossils for dating sedimentary rock layers. Research on extant Miliolididae continues to explore their ecological roles, physiological adaptations, and evolutionary relationships within the broader context of protist diversity.