In a remarkable revelation, researchers have identified 57 new species of foraminifera, tiny yet intriguing sea dwellers. These single-celled organisms, affectionately known as forams, populate various marine environments, from the open ocean to coastal shores and estuaries.
Foraminifera, or forams, are fascinating in their simplicity and versatility. These organisms are known for their protective shells and are found either floating as planktonic entities or residing on the sea floor as benthic organisms. Of the estimated 8,000 existing species, a mere 40 species lead a planktonic lifestyle, making the majority seafloor inhabitants. Their habitats vary across the ocean bed, where they often use pseudopodia to navigate their surroundings. Typically, forams measure less than 500 microns, although certain tropical variants can grow up to 20 cm. Their lack of a rigid cell wall grants them the flexibility to adapt and reshape as needed.
The term "foraminifera" is derived from the Latin word 'foramen,' meaning window, inspired by the tiny holes in their shells. Through these apertures, forams extend their cytoplasm, forming pseudopodia, or false feet, to capture food.
Foraminifera sustain themselves by consuming detritus and smaller organisms found on the sea floor. Their diet includes diatoms, bacteria, algae, and even diminutive creatures like tiny copepods.
Unique among single-celled life forms, forams construct intricate shells. These can be composed of calcium carbonate, known as calcareous, or formed by aggregating tiny sand grains, termed agglutinate. Despite their minuscule size and seemingly straightforward biology, forams engineer complex shells ranging from single-chambered formations, reminiscent of vases or tubes, to multi-chambered structures with intricate coiling.
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