Foram

Foram

Foraminifera under a microscope

Foram is a term commonly used to refer to Foraminifera, a large group of amoeboid protists characterized by their streaming granular ectoplasm and, in many species, by external shells (or "tests") of diverse forms and materials. Foraminifera are found in both marine and freshwater environments and are an important part of the plankton community.

Classification

Foraminifera belong to the phylum Retaria, which also includes the Radiolaria. They are further classified into various orders, families, genera, and species. The classification is primarily based on the morphology of their tests, which can be composed of calcium carbonate, silica, or organic materials.

Morphology

The test of a foraminifer can be single-chambered (unilocular) or multi-chambered (multilocular). The chambers are added during growth, and the arrangement of these chambers is an important characteristic used in classification. The tests can be made of various materials, including calcite, aragonite, silica, or organic compounds.

Ecology

Foraminifera are found in a wide range of marine environments, from the deep sea to coastal regions. They can be benthic (living on or in the sea floor) or planktonic (floating in the water column). Benthic foraminifera are more diverse and are found in a variety of habitats, including coral reefs, mangroves, and deep-sea sediments. Planktonic foraminifera are primarily found in the open ocean.

Fossil Record

Foraminifera have an extensive fossil record dating back to the Cambrian period. Their tests are well-preserved in the fossil record, making them valuable indicators for biostratigraphy and paleoenvironmental reconstructions. The study of fossil foraminifera, known as foraminiferal micropaleontology, provides insights into past climates, oceanography, and the history of life on Earth.

Applications

Foraminifera are used in various scientific fields, including geology, paleontology, and climate science. They are important bioindicators for environmental monitoring and are used in oil exploration to identify potential hydrocarbon reservoirs. Their sensitivity to environmental changes makes them useful for studying past and present climate change.

Related Pages

• Protist
• Plankton
• Micropaleontology
• Biostratigraphy
• Paleoenvironment