- They are flattened vesicle-like structures with short hair-like extensions.
- They are mostly free-living, yet some are parasites.
- They are heterotrophic.
- They reproduce by both asexual and sexual, depending on the type.
- They are unicellular.
- They contain double nuclei.
- Most of them are colonial.
- They are very common in almost any water, including: lakes, ponds, oceans, rivers, and soils. (most live in freshwater habitats but some live in salt water)
- They have no negative impact on humans.
- They are animal-like.
- The cilia on ciliates beat like paddles to push these protists through the water.
- They have symbiotic relationships with certain types of algae.
- They are used in swimming, crawling, attachment, and feeding.
Examples
Paramecium
|
http://www.fcps.edu/islandcreekes/ecology/Miscellaneous/Paramecium/paramecium3.jpg |
Stylonychia
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https://c2.staticflickr.com/4/3501/3237505042_6d65ebbb1e.jpg |
Stentor
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http://www.microscopy-uk.org.uk/mag/imgnov04/wd/007-stentor.jpg |