Question

How do you classify protozoans?

Answer 1

Protozoans:

1. Protozoa are single-celled organisms and come in many different shapes and sizes ranging from an Amoeba which can change shape to a Paramecium with its fixed shape and complex structure.
2. They are found in a wide variety of moist habitats that including freshwater, marine environments, and soil.

Subphylum:

1. The Protozoa are regarded as a subkingdom of the kingdom Protista, despite being classified in the kingdom Animalia in the traditional system.
2. Subkingdom Protozoa is divided into seven phyla of which the important four are: Mastigophora, Apicomplexa, Sarcodina, and Ciliophora.
3. Mastigophorans are flagellated protozoans: they move with the help of flagella. Eg, Giardia lamblia
4. Apicomplexa are sporrans: they lack any organ of motility.
5. Sarcodina or amoebae: they locomote with the help of pseudopodia. Eg, Entamoeba histolytica.
6. Ciliophora are ciliates: they have cilia for movement and feeding. Eg, Balantidium coli