A biologist was asked to identify a unicellular organism collected from shallow marine waters. The organism secreted a multichambered porous test and extending through the pores were slender, brownish-coloured pseudopodia forming a protoplasmic net. Experiments showed that the growth of the test was greatest in the presence of light. Based on this information, the biologist concluded that the organism was a

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The organism described is a foram (foraminifera). Forams are known for their multichambered porous tests (shells) and slender, brownish-colored pseudopodia that extend through the pores to form a protoplasmic net. The growth of the test being greatest in the presence of light suggests the organism may harbor photosynthetic endosymbionts, which is common in some foraminifera.

A Biologist Was Asked to Identify a Unicellular Organism Collected