Concept in Definition ABC

In the Animal Kingdom the different species can be classified according to their level of complexity biological. Thus, the simplest beings among invertebrates are protozoa. It is considered that in the first forms of life that appeared there were already this type of organisms.

It should be noted that the term protozoan comes from the Greek and literally means "first animals".

Characteristics of protozoa

Most of these beings are unicellular and have a defined nucleus inside the cell. As a general criterion, they have movement and some of them are heterotrophs, that is, they feed on other living beings. In some cases they are autotrophs, so they make their own food just like plants.

There are four different types: flagellates, ciliates, rhizopods, and sporozoans. All of them are classified within the Protista Kingdom. All organisms protists they are microscopic, without cell walls, live in humid environments, have high reproductive rates, and need oxygen to survive. These characteristics make these beings become natural water purifiers and, in parallel, initiators of trophic chains.

The earliest protozoa are believed to have appeared near the coasts. In this sense, the organisms that arose in this environment evolved and became a fundamental part of the food chain of other living beings.

The role of protists in different areas

For the most part, these beings are harmless. Some of them are very useful, as some protozoa are used in geology to search for oil.

Protists are used throughout the world in wastewater treatment plants, since these organisms mineralize organic matter. Likewise, they are used as organic fertilizers, to make biofuels, to produce cosmetics, in the manufacturing of drugs or to prepare biomass of algae. Protists can also be grown by placing artificial floating substrates. or to feed the fish.

These organisms are also used in different food industries. Despite their multiple uses, some protists cause diseases, such as malaria or certain diseases that affect plants.

In short, protists include protozoa and make up more than 30,000 different species that inhabit all aquatic ecosystems on the planet.

Photo: Fotolia - Sinhyu