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Phylum 01, Protozoa
The Protozoa (Greek, first critters)
Are short, or long, or round like fritters;
They go through life with but one cell
And seem to manage very well.

Protozoa exist throughout aqueous environments and soil, occupying a range of trophic (nutritional) levels. As predators, they prey upon unicellular or filamentous algae, bacteria, and microfungi.

Protozoa play a role as both herbivores and consumers in the decomposer link of the food chain.

Protozoa also play a vital role in controlling bacteria populations and biomass and they may absorb food via their cell membranes, some; for example, amoebas, surround food and engulf it, and yet others have openings or "mouth pores" into which they sweep food.

All protozoa digest their food in stomach-like compartments called vacuoles.


This entry is located in the following unit: Zoology Phyla in Poetic Rhyming + (page 1)