foraminifera
/fəˌræmɪˈnɪfərə/
Definition
A group of single-celled amoeboid protists that build hard, calcium carbonate shells, which are used by scientists to analyze past climate conditions.
Etymology
The word is derived from the Latin 'foramen', meaning 'opening' or 'hole', and 'ferre', meaning 'to bear'. It refers to the many small pores, or foramina, through which these organisms extend their cytoplasmic extensions.
In the news
In this article, foraminifera are identified as marine organisms whose fossilized shells store oxygen isotope data. Researchers examine these shells to reconstruct historical climate records and better understand long-term environmental changes.
FSU researcher creates seawater isotope database to improve climate reconstructions, projections
Read the full article ↗Florida State University News