The small but significant Protista Collection represents single-celled marine organisms that belong to the kingdom Protista. Four Phyla are represented, with the largest group being the foraminiferans (also known as forams). This collection consists primarily of microscope slides.
The collection is mostly of local significance as there are many holdings of protista collections in Australian museums and universities.
Without museum staff specifically working on this collection, future growth is likely to be opportunistic through donations by external researchers.
The collection consists of approximately 520 lots of specimens, most of which are mounted on micro-slides. A small number are spirit and dry specimens.
Significant items
The collection includes important type and figured material from some of the major workers. Significant components include:
- A.C. Collins Collection (type and figured foraminifera, including material from W.J. Parr).
- F. Chapman (type and figured Foraminifera and Granuloreticulosa).
- Port Phillip Bay 1957–63 collection.