Investigating the benefits and costs of spines and diet on planktonic foraminifera distribution with a trait-based ecosystem model

Planktonic foraminifera are important calcifiers in the modern ocean. Despite this importance, main functions of foraminifera's test and ornamentation such as spines unclear. Spinose species dominate planktonic population subtropical oligotrophic gyres, while non-spinose deeper waters at high latitudes suggesting that help food-limited areas. Here we take a novel approach to investigate benefits on foraging using 0-D trait-based ecosystem model. The model considers traits size, calcification, spines, passive feeding, diet. We assess how presence impact diet fitness via series simulated environments representing oligo, meso- eutrophic settings different temperatures. find independent diet, taxa need be more size-generalist predators than other zooplankton maintain their population. In contrast, spinose benefit from relatively higher surface-to-volume ratio compared species, which allows them generalist groups. agreement with observations, herbivory is most successful cold environments, carnivory warm environments.