Information AboutProtozoa |
| CATEGORIES ABOUT PROTOZOA | |
| obsolete taxonomic groups | |
| microbiology | |
| protista | |
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Protozoa (in Greek ''proto'' = first and ''zoa'' = animal) are single- Celled Eukaryote s (organisms whose cells have Nuclei ) that show some characteristics usually associated with Animal s, most notably Mobility and Heterotroph y. They are often grouped in the kingdom Protist a together with the plant-like Alga e and fungus-like water molds and slime molds. In some newer schemes, however, most algae are classified in the kingdoms Plant ae and Chromista , and in such cases the remaining forms may be classified as a kingdom Protozoa. The name is misleading, since they are not Animal s. Protozoa have traditionally been divided on the basis of locomotion, although this is no longer believed to represent genuine relationships:
Most protozoans are too small to be seen with the naked eye - most are around 0.01-0.05 Mm , although forms up to 0.5 mm are still fairly common - but can easily be found under a Microscope . Protozoa are ubiquitous throughout Aqueous environments and the Soil , and play an important role in their Ecology . Protozoa occupy a range of Trophic Level s. As predators upon unicellular or filamentous algae, Bacteria , and Microfungi , protozoa play a role both as Herbivore s and as Consumer s in the decomposer link of the Food Chain . Protozoa also play a vital role in controlling bacteria population and Biomass . As components of the Micro- and Meiofauna , protozoa are an important food source for Microinvertebrate s. Thus, the ecological role of protozoa in the transfer of bacterial and algal production to successive trophic levels is important. Protozoa are also important as Parasite s and Symbiont s of Multicellular Animal s. SEE ALSO
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