Species Showcase: Testate amoebae
Even for those who are knowledgeable about peatlands, it may come as a surprise to know there is a huge diversity of tiny organisms busying themselves around the surface of a Sphagnum leaf or floating through the dark water of a bog pool. Much of our current survey and monitoring only considers the things we can observe with the naked eye, but microorganisms play a critical role in peatland function. There are thousands of species present in UK peatlands, many with fascinating life cycles and beautiful forms. In this showcase, we introduce one particular group: testate amoebae.