Forams: A Guide to the Foraminifera

Forams, short for foraminifera, are tiny, single-celled organisms that live in the ocean, often forming shells called tests from calcium carbonate. These shells provide protection and help them float or crawl along the seafloor. Forams are important for scientists because their shells preserve well in sediments, providing clues about Earth's history, past climates, and ocean conditions. They vary in size from microscopic to a few centimeters and are found in many marine environments, from shallow coastal waters to deep-sea floors. Their study helps us understand both biological processes and the history of our planet.