Podcast
Questions and Answers
What differentiates heterotrophic protozoans from bacteria and fungi?
What differentiates heterotrophic protozoans from bacteria and fungi?
Which organisms are the direct food sources for many zooplankton and some fish?
Which organisms are the direct food sources for many zooplankton and some fish?
What is a common disease caused by protozoa in humans?
What is a common disease caused by protozoa in humans?
What can phytoplankton cause in rivers that may lead to fish deaths?
What can phytoplankton cause in rivers that may lead to fish deaths?
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What do some cyanobacteria produce that can be lethal?
What do some cyanobacteria produce that can be lethal?
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What covers biofilms and hard surfaces on riverbeds along with other microorganisms?
What covers biofilms and hard surfaces on riverbeds along with other microorganisms?
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Study Notes
Characteristics of Protozoa
- Microscopic, single-celled organisms that sometimes group together in colonies
- Can be autotrophic or heterotrophic
- Heterotrophic protozoa consume other organisms like algae, bacteria, or other Protista
Habitat and Behavior
- Form sediments that cover biofilms and hard surfaces on riverbeds
- Some protozoa swim freely
- Can be parasites and cause diseases like giardiasis (beaver fever)
Phytoplankton
- Direct food sources for many zooplankton and some fish
- Basis of the deep-water food web
- Vary in their needs for nutrients, light, and other conditions
- Can cause taste and odor problems in the water, and hypoxic conditions that can kill fish
Cyanobacteria
- Can produce toxins that are lethal
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Description
Learn about protozoa, microscopic organisms that can live individually or in colonies. Discover the autotrophic and heterotrophic species of protozoa, including their feeding habits and ecological roles in sediment formation and biofilms.
