Exercise 1B

Protozoans

1. Examine the prepared slides listed below under a compound microscope.

2. Use invertebrate zoology laboratory manuals and books to guide your observation.
Several references can be found on the internet.
3. Note important structures and organelles. Write the functions of visible structures and
provide taxonomic details for the different specimens (Phylum, Class etc.).

Morphology and anatomy of protozoans

Amoeba proteus w.m.
Paramecium plain w.m.
Euglena sp. w.m.
Vorticella w.m.
Radiolaria w.m.

Feeding and reproductive methods

Didinium devouring Paramecium
Paramecium fission mass
Paramecium conjugation

Guide questions:
1. Why are contractile vacuoles common in freshwater protozoans?
2. Describe the different locomotory systems of the specimens. How do they differ from
each other?
3. Differentiate conjugation and fission. Describe how conjugation and fission take place
in ciliates.
4. In conjugating Paramecium, did you notice different mating types?
5. What type of feeder is a Didinium? Describe how it feeds?
6. Describe other modes of feeding in protozoans.