It's time to consider the Arcellinida shell as a weapon
Kenneth Dumack, Enrique Lara, Clément Duckert, Elizaveta V. Ermolaeva, Ferry Siemensma, David Singer, Valentyna Krashevska, Mariusz Lamentowicz, Edward A. D. Mitchell
Abstract
The shells of testate amoebae are morphologically diverse and persistent in the environment. Accordingly, the examination of the morphology and composition of shells became a standard tool in ecological, palaeoecological, and evolutionary studies. However, so far the function of the shell remains poorly understood and, although based on limited evidence, the shell was considered as a defense mechanism. Based on recent evidence, we propose that the shell of arcellinid testate amoebae is a crucial component facilitating the amoebae's attack of large prey. Accordingly, the shell is not purely protective, but must be considered also as a weapon. This change in perspective opens up numerous new avenues in protistology and will lead to a substantial change in ecological, palaeoecological, and evolutionary research.