mastigophora
Definition
- Noun:
- A taxonomic class or group of protozoans: "Mastigophora" refers to a major group of single-celled organisms (protozoa) that are characterized by the presence of one or more whip-like appendages called flagella, which they use for movement and feeding. This group is also commonly known as flagellates.
Usage Examples
- Noun:
- The Mastigophora are studied in microbiology for their diverse forms and habitats.
- Under the microscope, the movement of a member of the Mastigophora is distinctive due to its flagella.
Advanced Usage
- Scientific Classification: In modern taxonomic systems, "Mastigophora" is often treated as a polyphyletic group, meaning its members are not all descended from a single common ancestor. It is frequently subdivided into groups like Phytomastigophora (plant-like, photosynthetic flagellates) and Zoomastigophora (animal-like, non-photosynthetic flagellates).
- The class Mastigophora includes both free-living and parasitic organisms.
Variants and Related Words
- Mastigophoran (noun): An individual organism belonging to the Mastigophora.
- The pond water sample contained numerous mastigophorans.
- Flagellate (noun/adjective): A common synonym for a mastigophoran; possessing flagella.
- Trypanosomes are pathogenic flagellates.
- Mastigophorous (adjective): Relating to or characteristic of the Mastigophora.
- The mastigophorous cell exhibited rapid locomotion.
Synonyms
- Flagellata: An older, synonymous taxonomic name for the group.
- Flagellates: The common descriptive term for these protozoans.
Related Phrases and Terms
- Phytomastigophora: A subclass of Mastigophora that are typically photosynthetic.
- Euglena is a well-known genus of Phytomastigophora.
- Zoomastigophora: A subclass of Mastigophora that are heterotrophic (obtain food by ingesting other organisms).
- Many Zoomastigophora are symbionts or parasites in the guts of termites.
Noun
-
protozoa having flagella
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