Uncovering hidden structures: previously undescribed pseudopodia and ectoplasmic structures in planktonic foraminifera.

ABSTRACT: The trophic strategies of cold-water planktonic foraminifera are not well understood due to the challenge of culturing them in polar conditions. Here, we identify previously unknown ectoplasmic and cytoplasmic projections in three species of planktonic foraminifera thriving in polar and subpolar marine environments: Globigerina bulloides, Neogloboquadrina incompta and Neogloboquadrina pachyderma. These structures were observed during routine monitoring of cultured specimens sampled from the Norwegian coast, Greenland Sea and Baffin Bay. Two types of projections were discovered, including permanent and non-permanent structures such as ectoplasmic roots, twigs and twig-like projections, similar to those observed in benthic taxa Cibicides and Cibicidoides. A

SUBMITTER: Greco M 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC10361809 | biostudies-literature | 2023 Jul-Aug

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature