Major groups of protozoans: All protozoans are single-celled, cell-wall lacking, heterotrophic organisms that live as predators or parasites. Protozoans are considered to be primitive relatives of animals. Protozoa are divided into four groups based on their organ of motility. 

Major groups of protozoans

1. Amoeboid protozoa– This type of protozoa are found in fresh water, sea water or moist soil. They can move and capture their prey with the help of pseudopodia. The pseudopodia are the extensions of the cell membrane.  Example: Amoeba

2 .Flagellated protozoans: The members of this group are either free-living or parasitic. They have flagella. The parasitic forms cause diaseases such as sleeping sickness. Example: Trypanosoma.

3 .Ciliated protozoans: These are aquatic, actively moving organisms because of the presence of thousands of cilia. They have a cavity (gullet) that opens to the outside of the cell surface. The coordinated movement of rows of
cilia causes the water laden with food to be steered into the gullet. Example: Paramoecium 

4 .Sporozoans: This includes diverse organisms that have an infectious spore-like stage in their life cycle. The most notorious is Plasmodium (malarial parasite) which causes malaria, a disease which has a staggering effect on human population.

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By Team Learning Mantras