Truncorotaloididae

Truncorotaloididae is a family of foraminifera, a large group of amoeboid protists which are among the most abundant types of marine plankton. They are characterized by their shells, or tests, which have a unique spiral shape and are made of calcite.

Overview

The family Truncorotaloididae was first described by Loeblich and Tappan in 1964. It includes several genera, such as Globigerinoides, Globoturborotalita, and Truncorotaloides. These genera are distinguished by the shape and structure of their tests, as well as their ecological preferences and geographical distribution.

Morphology

Members of the Truncorotaloididae family have a distinctive morphology. Their tests are typically spiral-shaped, with a flat or slightly convex dorsal side and a more rounded ventral side. The tests are composed of calcite, and are often covered in small, needle-like spines. The aperture, or opening, of the test is typically a low arch on the ventral side.

Ecology

Truncorotaloididae are marine plankton, and are found in oceans all around the world. They are particularly abundant in warm, tropical waters. They feed on a variety of small organisms, including diatoms and other phytoplankton. Like all foraminifera, they play a crucial role in the carbon cycle, as their calcite tests sink to the ocean floor when they die, sequestering carbon in the process.

Fossil Record

The fossil record of Truncorotaloididae is extensive, with specimens dating back to the Cretaceous period. These fossils provide valuable information about past climates and ocean conditions, as the size and shape of foraminifera tests can be influenced by environmental factors such as temperature and salinity.

A collection of foraminifera tests, including several from the family Truncorotaloididae.

See Also

• Foraminifera
• Marine plankton
• Carbon cycle

References

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