Radiozoa

Radiozoa is a superclass of Rhizaria, a diverse group of eukaryotic microorganisms. These organisms are characterized by their intricate, often spherical, skeletons made of silica, known as tests. The name "Radiozoa" itself derives from the Greek words "radios" meaning ray and "zoon" meaning animal, referencing the radial symmetry of many of their tests and their animal-like motility.

These microscopic creatures are primarily marine, found in all oceans, from shallow waters to the deep sea. They are planktonic, drifting in the water column, and play a role in marine ecosystems. Their silica tests are incredibly diverse in shape and structure, featuring spines, radial arms, and complex geometric patterns. This diversity has made them valuable in paleontology, as their fossilized remains can be used to date rock formations and reconstruct past ocean environments.

Radiozoa move using pseudopods, which are temporary extensions of the cell membrane. These pseudopods extend through pores in the silica test and are used for locomotion and capturing food particles from the surrounding water. Their diet typically consists of smaller plankton and organic debris. Reproduction in Radiozoa can be both asexual and sexual, depending on the species and environmental conditions. The study of Radiozoa contributes to our understanding of protist diversity, evolutionary biology, and paleoecology.