Molecular Studies On Foraminifers: Past, Present, and Future

Abstract

AbstractApplications of molecular techniques have become integral to most fields of biological research, including evolutionary biology. Over the past two decades, studies of molecular genetics of foraminifers have emerged to enhance taxonomic identification with broad applications, including biodiversity, environmental assessments, and paleoceanographic studies. However, the results are widely scattered across the literature, thereby inhibiting advances in such research on foraminifers, especially regionally. In this review, we discuss the developments and contributions in the field of molecular genetics as applied to foraminifers, offering a guide to beginners in this area of research. Furthermore, this review highlights new opportunities for foraminiferal research that will pave the way for future studies in this field.