Foraminifera

(-min-if'ur-a.) [From L. foramen, andferre, to bear.] (Zool.) A group of Rhizopod a, inhabiting small shells, usually calcareous, which are frequently of elegant form. They have received their name from the shell being, in many instances, pierced with minute holes, through which the animal extends parts of its body for the purpose of collecting food. The animals are destitute of special organs, and consist of ama of featurele matter called sar code. The shells are sometimes one-chambered, but generally they are divided into several chambers, being increased by additional chambers as the animal grows. The forms are very varied, globular, flask-shaped, dagger-shaped, nautilus-like, . Some of the minute forms are interesting objects for the microscope. They are all inhabitants of the sea, and, while some are found on shore seaweed, others have been brought up from a depth of 1800 fathoms. Their fo il remains abound in prodigious numbers in the tertiary beds. A considerable portion of the chalk-beds is formed of minute foraminiferous shells. [s. 374]