Elphidium williamsoni

Mapping the distribution of the foraminiferal species Elphidium williamsoni through geological time can help scientists track changes in sea level, as it is only found in intertidal zones.

However, some scientists have suggested that Elphidium williamsoni actually represents several species because of its wide range of shape and size. Recent DNA studies on live material, combined with studies of fossils from the Museum's collections, indicate that Elphidium williamsoni is indeed a single species.

The studies have also shown that some features previously considered important in foraminiferal classification actually bear no evolutionary significance, while other features are important indicators of evolutionary development.

These findings will lead to more rigorous classification systems, which are vital for studies on biodiversity and climate change.