Observing and Classifying Protozoa Background name was given because many protozoa share The name protozoa actually means “first animals”. This characteristics with animals. However, there are also many that share characteristics with plants. In this lab, you will observe different members of this diverse group. Materials Microscope Live samples of: Clean glass microscope slides Amoeba proteus Clean cover slips Volvox Pipette Euglena gracilis Paramecium caudatum Six other protozoa cultures Background The classification of protozoa is a constantly changing field. Below are that protozoa listed the five “supergroups” are currently classified in and a summary of common characteristics of each. Excavata found on one side of the cell. Most – Name refers to an “excavated groove” excavates are heterotrophic and move with a flagellum. and membrane bound sacs Chromalveolata – Many contain pigments (“chromo”) (“alveolata”) inside their cells. May be autotrophic or heterotrophic. Movement varies. Rhizaria Name refers to threadlike pseudopods used for movement. – Archaeplastida Group of eukaryotes most closely related to plants. Each contains a – form of a chloroplast. Most reproduce sexually. Unikonta Group of eukaryotes most closely related to animals. All are heterotrophic. – The protozoa are very difficult to classify due to their wide variety. Summarize each of the following groups of protists in the table below: Excavata Rhizaria Chromalveolata “Excavated “Thread-like “Animals with membrane and “Plants “Colored sacs” and groove” pseudopods” relatives” relatives”
Observing and Classifying Protozoa Background The name protozoa actually means “first animals”. This name was given because many protozoa share characteristics with animals. However, there are also many that share characteristics with plants. In this lab, you will observe different members of this diverse group. Materials Microscope Clean glass microscope slides Clean cover slips Pipette Live samples of: Amoeba proteus Volvox Euglena gracilis Paramecium caudatum Six other protozoa cultures Background The classification of protozoa is a constantly changing field. Below are listed the five “supergroups” that protozoa are currently classified in and a summary of common characteristics of each. Excavata – Name refers to an “excavated groove” found on one side of the cell. Most excavates are heterotrophic and move with a flagellum. Chromalveolata – Many contain pigments (“chromo”) and membrane bound sacs (“alveolata”) inside their cells. May be autotrophic or heterotrophic. Movement varies. Rhizaria – Name refers to threadlike pseudopods used for movement. Archaeplastida – Group of eukaryotes most closely related to plants. Each contains a form of a chloroplast. Most reproduce sexually. Unikonta – Group of eukaryotes most closely related to animals. All are heterotrophic. The protozoa are very difficult to classify due to their wide variety. Summarize each of the following groups of protists in the table below: Excavata “Excavated groove” Chromalveolata “Colored with membrane sacs” Rhizaria “Thread-like pseudopods” “Plants and relatives” “Animals and relatives”
protozoa-lab.docx