deformed individual

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 an extra lump on the test (lower right) which disrupts the normal coiling pattern. Image courtesy of Dr. Elisabeth Alve, University of Oslo.  Citation: Alve, E. Benthic foraminifera reflecting pollution. Journal of Foraminiferal Research 21:1-19.