Biology and Functional Morphology

This chapter discusses the organellesOrganelles, feeding, lifestyle, growthGrowths, and life span of larger Foraminifera. The varieties of microalgae, host specificity, and the impact of photosynthesisPhotosynthesis and respiration on the carbonateCarbonates microenvironmentMicroenvironments of the larger Foraminifera tests are all discussed in detail. ModelsModels of chamber development and calcification are examined. The architectural features of Foraminifera tests are detailed, and their benefits for endosymbionts are discussed. Although still in its infancy, results of molecular systematicsMolecular systematics concerning the Soritidae phylogeny are explained.