The skeletons of which protozoan genus contribute to ocean floor ooze?

The skeletons of the genus Radiolarians contribute to ocean floor ooze due to their unique silica-based skeletons. Radiolarians are a type of amoeboid protist characterized by intricate, often symmetrical skeletal structures made of silica, which are formed as they live and reproduce in oceanic waters. When these organisms die, their silica skeletons sink to the ocean floor, accumulating over time and forming a significant component of marine sediment known as siliceous ooze.

This ooze can form thick deposits on the seafloor, contributing to the overall composition of the oceanic crust. The silica skeletons are well-preserved in the geological record, providing valuable insights into past oceanic conditions and the biodiversity of marine life. The distinctive morphology of Radiolarians also aids in their identification in sediment samples.