1. It's time to consider the Arcellinida shell as a weapon.
- Author
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Dumack, Kenneth, Lara, Enrique, Duckert, Clément, Ermolaeva, Elizaveta, Siemensma, Ferry, Singer, David, Krashevska, Valentyna, Lamentowicz, Mariusz, and Mitchell, Edward A.D.
- Subjects
PALEOECOLOGY ,AMOEBA ,WEAPONS - Abstract
The shells of testate amoebae are morphologically diverse and persistent in the environment. Accordingly, the examination of the morphology and composition of shells became a standard tool in ecological, palaeoecological, and evolutionary studies. However, so far the function of the shell remains poorly understood and, although based on limited evidence, the shell was considered as a defense mechanism. Based on recent evidence, we propose that the shell of arcellinid testate amoebae is a crucial component facilitating the amoebae's attack of large prey. Accordingly, the shell is not purely protective, but must be considered also as a weapon. This change in perspective opens up numerous new avenues in protistology and will lead to a substantial change in ecological, palaeoecological, and evolutionary research. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]
- Published
- 2024
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