What are Benthic Foraminifera?

A foraminifera's pseudopods.

    Foraminifera have pseudopods (long hair like extensions of protoplasm) projecting through numerous pores in the test. Their function is to gather food and construct new chambers.

    They range in size from 100 micrometers to 20 centimeters long (fully grown).  Foraminifera tests accumulate (in tracts) along the ocean floor.  As a result, they form the predominant bottom deposit in such regions.

Live foraminifera anchored to a glass surface.