Invertebrate Zoology Flagellated Protozoans

Flagellate protozoa possess one to many flagella that they use in locomotion. Flagella produce two-dimensional whiplike movements or helical movements (see Euglena below) that push or pull the protozoan through its liquid medium. Flagellates can be discussed in two groups: (1) the phytoflagellated (photosynthesizing) protozoa and (2) the zooflagellated (particle-feeding and parasitic) protozoa. I have grouped the flagellates together; however, keep in mind that this for for simplicity only. The flagellates that we will discuss are distributed among several phyla.

Flagellated Protozoans

1. Motile by means of flagella

2. Autotrophic (phytoflagellate protozoans) or heterotrophic (zooflagellate protozoans)

3. Most reproduce by binary fission

4. Possess a pellicle that give the body a definite shape.

5. Single type of nucleus

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