Twin, Triplet and Quadruplet Teratogens in Benthic Foraminifera from Antalya

We report twin and triplet forms of Recent benthic foraminifers from the southwestern coasts of Antalya (SW Turkey). Biological influences are possibly the primary cause for abnormal morphologies During foraminifer reproduction, the number of individuals occupying the reproduction cyst, duration of the delay before the breaking of the cyst and the size of the cyst are all likely causes for the formation of twins, triplets and quadruplets. Thus, we assume that twins, triplets and quadruplet test formation in benthic foraminifers in our study area are caused by developmental accidents, and are not necessarily related to physical and chemical pressures from the environment.