Biology and Ecology of Planktonic Foraminifera

Cell Structure, Reproduction, and Shell Formation

Planktonic foraminifera are marine heterotrophic protists that encompass their unicellular

body with expound calcite shells1. Cytoplasm inside the shells contains normal

eukaryotic cell organelles, supplemented by the supposed fibrillar bodies, which

are one of a kind to planktonic foraminifera and may act to control lightness (Hemleben

et al., 1989). Outside the shell, the cytoplasm is extended into thin, anastomosing

strands (rhizopodia), which may expand a few shell-measurement lengths far from

the shell. The outside rhizopodial arrange serves to gather nourishment particles and

transport them toward the essential opening of the shell (gap). Inside the shell,

sustenance particles are processed and put away as lipids and starches in particular vacuoles.

Planktonic foraminifera display a scope of trophic practices from aimless

omnivory to specific carnivory (Hemleben et al., 1989). Herbivorous and omnivorous

species devour phytoplankton, basically diatoms and dinoflagellates, while

meat eating species go after copepods, ciliates, and other also estimated zooplankton

(Hemleben et al., 1989). Species that occupy the photic zone regularly harbor intracellular

algal symbionts (dinoflagellates or chrysophycophytes). An advantageous relationship

with photosynthesizing green growth is especially worthwhile in warm oligotrophic

waters, where supplements and sustenance are rare yet light is plentiful. Commonplace populace