FORAMINIFERA

These single-celled organisms appeared on Earth some 540 million years ago and have conquered the seas and oceans around the globe.
Some are part of the plankton, floating in the shallowest depths of the water, while others live on the ocean floor.

They produce intricately-shaped shells that settle on the seabed. They are extremely abundant and very sensitive to environmental changes and this is why they are key. “Forams” are essential for studying the Earth’s climatic, oceanographic and evolutionary history.

(Left panel)

The different shell designs, compositions and sizes vary from one group and species to another. Identifying them allows us to determine the age of the rocks, so they serve as true “geological clocks”. 

(Right panel)

In addition to their mineral shells, living foraminifera have long protrusions called pseudopods for feeding or movement. They are a key part of the oceans’ food chain.