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Northwest Wildlife Online
Kingdom Protozoa - the Eucaryotes
Protozoans Sponges Cnidarians Ctenophores Arthropods Echinoderms Mollusks Nematodes Flatworms Annelid Worms
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A note here before leaping into the standard classification template followed for the other groups of animals on this site. Protozoa are the most difficult to classify of all invertebrates; exact classification, in fact, is still a source of contention among taxonomists. Due to the sheer number, physiology, and morphological variety of the single celled organisms we call protozoa. Up until 1950 protozoa were considered a phylum, not a kingdom. Modern classification systems depend on molecular structure of protozoa whereas the older system used the organisms method of locomotion as the basis for classification. After consulting a number of sources I decided to use the older, and still common, classification for the protozoa with the Whittaker system that proposed a 5 Kingdom classification of all living organisms. Methods of locomotion and reproduction are easier to visualize and provide a much easier visual sense of this gigantic group of fascinating animals. Even here, however, we run into challenges and these creatures will likely continue to defy attempts to neatly categorize them for some time to come. I highly suggest further research in order to truly understand the complexity of this kingdom.
For a more thorough overview of the Protista Kingdom please consult Dr. Girish Chandra's excellent site: http://www.iaszoology.com/protozoa-classification/
Four main phylum represent the Kingdom of the Protozoans.
Phylum Sarcomastigophora - amoeba type protozoans
Most common member of this species and easy to find in freshwater, marine, and terrestrial environments. Extremely interesting to observe under the microscope as they stretch out their elongated pseudopodia. The nucleus and food vacuoles are normally visible through the transparent cytoplasm of the organism.
Phylum Cilata - protozoans that move using cilia
The largest and most complex member of the Protista. The most well known member of this group is the foot shaped paramecium. Surrounded by short bristles of cilia that beat incessantly these little guys more in rapid, jerky motions under a microscope slide.
Phylum Flagellata - protozoans that move using flagella
Flagella are similar to cilia, but much longer and singular, extending from the body of the organism like a long whip or undulating kite string. An interesting feature of this group is th presence of a "eye" better referred to as an eyespot. This organelle is not a true eye; it provides sensitivity to light and dark, a very important feature for this photosynthetic creature..
Phylum Sporozoa- protozoans that reproduce by spores
Theses are the parasitic protozoa which have a spore producing infective stage. These spores, called sporozoites, are characteristic of Plasmodium (four different types), the blood parasite that causes malaria. It is estimated that over two million people die annually from malaria, spread mainly from the bite of the Anopheles mosquito. In some clasification systems this phylum is called Apicomplexa due to specialized organelles at the apex of the organism. All members of this group are internal parasites of animals.
Protozoa or Protists, are so named because they are considered the "first" animals. In the simplest explanation, protozoa are single celled organisms that possess membrane enclosed cellular organs. Cells of this kind are called eukaryotes. The cells of our body are eukaryotic, they have a separate cell nucleus and other organelles. Prokaryotic cells lack these membrane enclosed organs and are far less complex. So you see we actually have something in common with protozoa even if they are in an entirely separate living kingdom. There is nothing (at least nothing I can find) inherently peculiar about the protozoa species that thrive in our Northwest climate. Throughout the world, however, certain species of this organism are responsible for a wide range of parasitic diseases and immense economic importance. Malaria, "Sleeping Sickness, Toxoplasmosis, Amoebic Dysentery, Trichomoniasis, and Leishmaniasis are just a few of the more notorious side effects of a protozoan infection. When not causing near fatal diseases, though, these tiny organisms are quite fascinating to observe. Anyone who has witnessed the oozing flow of an amoeba or the whirling cilia of a paramecium under a microscope cannot help but to be startled at the complex density of life found in a single drop of water - hopefully not your tap water!
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Protozoans Sponges Cnidarians Ctenophores Arthropods Echinoderms Mollusks Nematodes Flatworms Annelid Worms
Birds Mammals Reptiles Amphibians Fish Invertebrates
Mission Editor Bio Site Map Contact Wildlife Park Links Further Study Employment Northwest Trek HOME