Glossary of terms used in foraminiferal research

This glossary provides an exhaustive set of definitions of terms used in the foraminiferal research. A glossary of terms used in the analysis of the shells of recent and fossil foraminifera supplemented by a rigorous selection of terms that facilitate an understanding of their taxonomic description, biology, and their use in ecology (paleoecology) and biostratigraphy. The glossary includes some 850 entries. This glossary is designed to introduce readers to words/terminology used in the academic and scientific literature on foraminifera. All definitions are provided by the Museum of Natural History (Switzerland), the Cushman Foundation for Foraminiferal Research, the World Foraminifera Database, and the American Geological Institute. Foraminifera are now central to our ability to date, correlate and analyse the sedimentary basins that are currently key to the economic wellbeing of the world. A detailed understanding of the taxonomy of the foraminifera is essential, therefore, for any applied biostratigraphic analysis. Therefore, knowing the terms used in foraminiferal research is of high importance.