Miliolina

Miliolina is a Superfamily of foraminifera, which are single-celled organisms with shells, belonging to the order Miliolida. These microscopic marine protozoans are characterized by their calcareous shells, which are typically composed of calcite. The shells of Miliolina are often coiled in a distinctive manner, resembling a miniature ram's horn or a row of beads. This planispiral coiling is a defining feature and is usually seen in a biserial arrangement, meaning chambers are added in two alternating rows.

Miliolina are found in a wide range of marine environments, from shallow coastal waters to the deep sea, and from polar regions to tropical seas. They are particularly common in sediments associated with coral reefs and seagrass beds. Their diet consists of algae, bacteria, and other small organic particles that they capture using their pseudopods, which extend through pores in their shell. Miliolina play a role in the marine ecosystem, contributing to sediment formation and serving as a food source for other organisms. Fossilized Miliolina are abundant in the fossil record and are often used as indicators of past environmental conditions, such as water depth and salinity. The taxonomy of Miliolina is complex, with numerous families and genera described based on shell morphology and internal structure.