Amphidiscophora: The Hollow, Cup-Shaped Shells of Marine Protozoa

Amphidiscophora is a suborder of Foraminifera, a class of marine protozoa that are characterized by their ability to construct shells or tests. The suborder Amphidiscophora includes species that have a distinctive type of test, known as an amphidisc, which is a hollow, cup-shaped structure with a central opening.

The amphidisc is typically surrounded by a series of spines or projections, and may be covered in a thin layer of organic material or scales. Some species of Amphidiscophora have a more complex test shape, with multiple chambers or compartments, while others have a simpler, more spherical shape.

Amphidiscophora are found in a variety of marine environments, including shallow waters and deep-sea sediments. They are an important component of the marine food chain, serving as prey for many other marine animals, such as fish, crustaceans, and mollusks.