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The classification of the protozoa on this page is quite outdated and somewhat arbitrary
(and incomplete: I only showed the genera I have encountered so far).
It follows the systematic classification in the 'How to know protozoa' book by Jahn et al (1979).
For every genus, two contemporary taxonomical sources are cited: Integrated Taxonomy Information
System and NCBI Taxonomy Browser (where available).
Also, you can browse the alphabetical list of all genera.
Phylum Ciliophora
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Ciliates are the most complex group of protozoa. Their cell body is covered with
cilia.
The
cilia
sometimes differentiate into unique structures like cirri
or
membranelles.
Ciliates have two kinds of nuclei: macro- and micronuclei.
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Phylum Mastigophora
Mastigophora (the Flagellates) are protozoans propelled by one or more
flagella.
Some exhibit
pseudopodia.
They usually reproduce asexually by binary fission, but some species reproduce sexually by syngamy.
Class Euglenea
Often have a red stigma at the
anterior
end and green chloroplasts. One or two
flagella.
Cell contains
paramylum bodies.
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Class Chrysomonadea
Very small (usually up to 20 mm long), with one or two yellow or brown chloroplasts.
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Class Dinoflagellea
Medium-size flagellates. They have two
flagella:
a circumferential one placed in a transverse groove -
girdle,
and a longitudinal one, placed in a posterior groove -
sulcus.
Many species have yellow-brown chloroplasts.
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Class Cryptomonadea
Small, free living flagellates, have chloroplasts or granules of starch (or different carbohydrates).
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Class Kinetoplastida
Small flagellates with one or two
flagella
and a kinetoplast. Many species are parasitic.
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Phylum Sarcodina
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The Sarcodina are a large groups of protozoans exhibiting
pseudopodia
- elongate cytoplasmic extensions that may participate in locomotion and in capturing food.
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Class Actinopodea
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Class Cyclea
Individual cells that move and feed by means of "ameboid" movement. Can be naked or exhibit a
test.
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Order Filida
Mostly freshwater protozoa, with chitinous, external shells and nonradiate
filopodia
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Order Granuloreticulida
Mostly marine protozoa, including the Foraminiferina, which have calcalreous shells
with many chambers.
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Order Radiolarida
Radiolaria are marine, pelagic organisms,
exhibiting a complex endoskeleton, formed with silica, often radially symmetrical and very beautiful.
The endoskeleton (central capsule) covers a nucleated part of the cell.
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