Protozoa

Authors: Warren, A. and Esteban, G.F.

Volume: 4

Pages: 7-42

DOI: 10.1016/B978-0-12-385024-9.00002-2

Abstract:

Protozoa are a diverse group of separate lineages of single-celled organisms representing almost all the major eukaryote clades. Protozoa typically measure 5 -1000 μm in size. All free-living protozoa need water to survive, hence being essentially aquatic and thriving in freshwater (including soil), brackish, and marine habitats. There is considerable morphological and physiological diversity within the group. The aim of this chapter is to describe and illustrate the families of the main functional groups of the free-living protozoa: the amoeboid, the flagellated and the ciliated protozoa.

Source: Scopus