Tests

Definition

Tests are hard, protective shells produced by some protists. They serve as a defense mechanism and aid in buoyancy for the organism.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. Tests are composed of various materials including calcium carbonate, silica, or organic compounds.
2. Foraminifera and radiolarians are notable groups of protists that produce tests.
3. The structure and composition of tests can be used to identify different species of protists.
4. Tests play a significant role in the fossil record, helping scientists understand past environmental conditions.
5. Some protists' tests contribute to marine sediments, particularly in deep-sea environments.

Review Questions

• What materials can compose the tests of protists?
• Name two groups of protists known for producing tests.
• How do tests contribute to our understanding of historical environmental conditions?

Related terms

Foraminifera:

Protists with calcium carbonate shells that are important for paleoclimatology studies

Radiolarians: Protists with silica-based skeletons known for their intricate designs

Marine Sediments: Deposits on the ocean floor that include organic and inorganic material, often containing protist tests