Foraminiferan fossil Science Image

Ref: 80019406



Coloured scanning electron micrograph (SEM) of the fossilised shell (test) of a foraminiferan. Foraminifera are single-celled marine protozoa that construct and inhabit a calcium carbonate shell composed of several chambers. This fossil was found in chalk laid down in the Cretaceous period, between 142 and 65 million years ago, at Rochester, Kent, UK. Magnification: x250 when printed at 10 centimetres wide.