Algae Quiz: Volvox and Fucus

Study Notes

Volvox

Common name is Green Alga; scientifically classified as Volvox globator.
Belongs to Kingdom Plantae, Phylum Chlorophyta, Class Chlorophyceae.
Autotrophic; capable of producing food via photosynthesis.
Asexually reproduces by cell division, forming daughter colonies; also reproduces sexually through oogamy and zygospore formation.
Unique features include spherical shape with two flagella and a red eyespot for light detection.
Found in freshwater bodies like lakes and pools.

Fucus

Known as Rockweed or Brown Algae; classified as Fucus vesiculosus.
Falls under Kingdom Chromista, Phylum Phaeophyta, Class Phaeophyceae.
Autotrophic; produces its own food through photosynthesis.
Lacks classical plant structures; acquires minerals directly from water through holdfasts, stripes, and blades.
Reproduces sexually with multicellular organs for male (antheridia) and female (oogonia) gametes in conceptacles.
Grows up to 35 inches in length and serves as a nutritional supplement.

Euglena

Commonly referred to as Euglena, scientifically named Euglena gracilis.
Part of Kingdom Excavata, Phylum Euglenida, Class Euglenoids.
Mixotrophic; can consume food and perform photosynthesis.
Utilizes phagocytosis to digest food within a food vacuole.
Reproduces asexually via cell division, with waste removed through a contractile vacuole.
Notable for its flexible pellicle and eyespot for sunlight detection; movement is facilitated by flagella.

Amoeba

Common name is Amoeba; scientifically identified as Acanthamoeba polyphaga.
Located in Kingdom Protista, Phylum Rhizopoda, Class Tubulinea.
Heterotrophic; consumes food through phagocytosis and intracellular digestion in a vacuole.
Exhibits an open circulatory system; waste removal via a contractile vacuole.
Reproduces asexually through mitosis.
Unique characteristics include shape-shifting via pseudopods and two types of cytoplasm: endoplasm (dark interior for food consumption) and ectoplasm (clear exterior for water absorption).

Paramecium

Referred to as paramecium; scientifically classified as Paramecium caudatum.
Part of Kingdom Protista, Phylum Ciliophora, Class Oligohymenophorea.
Heterotrophic; requires food acquisition through ingestion.
Features an open circulatory system; waste expelled through an anal pore.
Reproduces both sexually through conjugation and asexually via binary fission.
Notable for being the most complex single-celled organism, with two nuclei: a macronucleus (controls general functions) and a micronucleus (controls reproduction).

Vorticella

Common name is Vorticella; scientifically identified as Vorticella campanula.
Further information on classification, reproduction, and characteristics is necessary for a complete overview.

Description

Test your knowledge on Volvox globator and Fucus vesiculosus, two fascinating types of algae. Explore their classifications, reproductive methods, and distinct features. Perfect for biology enthusiasts and students learning about aquatic plants.