milligrammina

Milligrammina is a genus of small, free-living, marine planktonic foraminifera, which are single-celled protozoans with a calcium carbonate shell. The genus is characterized by its minute size, typically ranging from 0.1 to 0.5 millimeters in diameter, and its distinctive shell morphology, which is often described as having a smooth, rounded, or slightly elongated shape. Milligrammina species are found in various marine environments, including coastal and open ocean waters, and are known to play a significant role in the marine food web as a source of food for larger organisms. The genus was first described by the German paleontologist and geologist, Ernst Haeckel, in 1887. The name "Milligrammina" is derived from the Latin word "milligramma," which refers to the small size of the organisms, and the Greek word "minos," which means "small." The genus is further classified into several species, each with its unique shell characteristics and ecological preferences.