Foraminifera are single-celled protists that possess a shell made of calcium carbonate. They are a diverse group of organisms found in marine environments, with some species also living in freshwater and terrestrial habitats. Foraminifera are important in paleontological research as their shells can provide valuable information about past climates, environments, and ocean conditions. Researchers study the morphology, distribution, and ecology of foraminifera to better understand their role in marine ecosystems and their use as indicators of environmental change. Additionally, foraminifera are used in biostratigraphy to date sedimentary rocks and in paleoclimate research to reconstruct past environmental conditions.