extinct genus of fusulinid foraminiferans, small, single-celled protozoans related to the modern amoeba but possessing a hard shell capable of being preserved in the fossil record. Schwagerina is a useful guide, or index, fossil for Early Permian rocks and time (the Permian Period began 286,000,000 years ago and lasted 41,000,000 years). Various forms or species of Schwagerina are recognized on the basis of distinctive shell form and internal structure. Many extensive petroleum deposits are associated with Schwagerina.