Phylum Amoebozoa

Class 1

Naked Amoebas

Pseudopodia:

Extensions of the cell membrane used for crawling (amoeboid movement) and engulfing food (phagocytosis).

Lack of shell:

No protective coverings, allowing for flexible movement.

Feeding:

Heterotrophic; use phagocytosis to engulf food particles (bacteria and other organic material)

Reproduction:

Asexual reproduction primarily through binary fission.

Ecological Roles:

• Important as predators of bacteria and organic material, contributing to nutrient cycling.

• Serve as indicators of environmental health in aquatic ecosystems.

Ecology:

Found in freshwater, marine environments, and moist soils.

Evolutionary Innovations:

Development of pseudopodia for movement and feeding, allowing adaptation to various environments.

Class 2

Testate Amoebas

Tests:

Shells or plates that protect the amoeba.

Pseudopodia:

• Used for capturing bacteria and algae by extending through openings in the shell.

Feeding class 2

Heterotrophic; similar to naked amoebas, they use pseudopodia to capture food.

Reproduction class 2

Asexual reproduction mainly through binary fission.

Ecological Roles: class 2

• Play a role in sediment stabilization and nutrient recycling in aquatic environments.

• Serve as food sources for larger predators.

Ecology: class 2

ommonly found in marine and freshwater environments, often in sediments.

Evolutionary Innovations:

• Development of protective tests allows for greater survival in varying conditions.

• Use of pseudopodia for feeding increases efficiency in capturing food.