deformed individual with broken test

Description:

Foraminiferans living in polluted environments often show alterations in the morphology of their tests. This individual, isolated from a site in Norway which is contaminated with heavy metals, has a prominent lump on its test (on the right side). The most recent chamber of this test has been broken off; you can see the edges of it at the bottom of the photograph. Notice the triserial arrangement of the test chambers, which is particularly easy to see in this photo. Image courtesy of Dr. Elisabeth Alve, University of Oslo.  Citation: Alve, E. Benthic foraminifera reflecting pollution. Journal of Foraminiferal Research 21:1-19.