View source for Function of the test

* '''protection'''
** from predators (some forms swallowed by predators have been proven to be alive; nonetheless, other views on this function also exist - see [http://ethomas.web.wesleyan.edu/BFhandout.htm E. Thomson's page]
** for nucleus/nuclei
** for symbionts
** against water turbulence, abrasion
** against chemical stresses (salinity fluctuations, pH, CO2, O2, toxins etc.) (Armstrong & Brasier 2005)

* '''support for pseudopods''' (various structures direct pseudopods, facilitating feeding, movement and/or attachment)

* '''support for the body cell''' (although [http://ethomas.web.wesleyan.edu/BFhandout.htm E. Thomson suggests] that small organisms do not need additional support in water; on the other hand, foraminifera are extremely large in comparison to other unicellular organisms, thus, the test may indeed support the body)

* '''facilitate metabolism'''
** compartmentalization of the body cell
** getting rid of salts (?)

* '''control buoyancy''' (Armstrong & Brasier 2005)