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Publication Date

2025-5

First Advisor

Laura A. Katz

Document Type

Honors Project

Degree Name

Bachelor of Arts

Department

Biological Sciences

Keywords

foraminifera, protists, transcriptomics, phylogenomics, marine monothalamid, life cycles, light microscopy

Abstract

While foraminifera are recognized for their diverse and often complex life cycles, many remain poorly characterized, and fundamental aspects of their biology are still largely not understood. Here, we report an observation of a “naked” foram from marine samples, an unusual finding given that naked forms are predominantly associated with freshwater environments, challenging conventional classifications. Although we have not yet pinpointed the precise identity of the organism, our findings suggest that we may be observing an overlooked life stage of a known marine foram, such as Shepheardella. In parallel, we explored the possibility of germline-soma distinctions in foraminifera by performing whole genome amplification and read mapping on three cultured species. We consistently recovered the same highly covered genes across miliolid cells, suggesting non-random genome organization and possible differential amplification or expression. These results underscore not only the diversity of forams, but also the complexity and plasticity of foraminiferal biology, reflecting a broader theme across microbial eukaryotes: that life cycles and genome processes often defy textbook expectations. Continued study of these organisms is essential for understanding the full spectrum of eukaryotic diversity.

Rights

©2025 Sri Tejasvi Mira Kumaran. Access limited to the Smith College community and other researchers while on campus. Smith College community members also may access from off-campus using a Smith College log-in. Other off-campus researchers may request a copy through Interlibrary Loan for personal use.

Language

English

Comments

87 pages: illustrations (some color). Includes bibliographical references (pages 76-85).

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