carouselleina

Carouselleina is a genus of extinct marine invertebrates belonging to the order Miliolida, a group of foraminifera. These single-celled organisms, characterized by their complex, multi-chambered shells, lived during the Cretaceous period. The name "Carouselleina" is derived from the resemblance of its shell arrangement to a carousel.

The distinctive feature of Carouselleina is its shell coiling pattern. Unlike many other foraminifera that exhibit a simple spiral, Carouselleina shells often show a more complex, nearly planispiral or trochospiral arrangement, where chambers are added in a circular fashion, sometimes with a slight elevation or depression. This unique coiling can give the shell a flattened, disc-like appearance. The chambers themselves are typically elongated and arranged in a biserial or triserial pattern within the overall coil.

Fossils of Carouselleina are found in marine sedimentary rocks dating back to the Late Cretaceous epoch. They are often associated with warm, shallow-water environments. The study of Carouselleina contributes to our understanding of microfossil evolution and paleoecology, providing insights into the marine life and environmental conditions of the Cretaceous seas. Their calcareous shells are a common component of microfossil assemblages used in biostratigraphy for dating rock layers.