Systematic Classification of Recent Benthic Foraminifera in Socotra Island and Hadhramout Coastline and Their Environmental Significance

This study explores the ecological significance of benthic foraminifera in the subtropical marine ecosystems of Socotra Island and the Hadhramout coastline, located in the Indian Ocean and Arabian Sea. A total of 216 species from 91 genera were identified in 32 surface sand samples collected during 2017 and 2018. The study examines how environmental factors including salinity, temperature, and substrate type affect the distribution of foraminifera. The results reveal that the assemblages and species diversity are distinct in each studied region, indicating a notable adaptability of foraminifera to specific environments. This work highlights the potential of benthic foraminifera as bioindicators for assessing ecological health and for reconstructing paleoenvironmental conditions. These findings are crucial for marine conservation efforts and for advancing climate change research in subtropical coastal systems, as they provide valuable insights into both modern and ancient sedimentary processes.