Protozoology
Encyclopedia
Protozoology is the study of protozoa
, the "animal-like" (i.e., motile
and heterotroph
ic) protists. This term has become dated as our understanding of the evolutionary relationships of the eukaryota has improved.
Protozoa
Protozoa are a diverse group of single-cells eukaryotic organisms, many of which are motile. Throughout history, protozoa have been defined as single-cell protists with animal-like behavior, e.g., movement...
, the "animal-like" (i.e., motile
Motility
Motility is a biological term which refers to the ability to move spontaneously and actively, consuming energy in the process. Most animals are motile but the term applies to single-celled and simple multicellular organisms, as well as to some mechanisms of fluid flow in multicellular organs, in...
and heterotroph
Heterotroph
A heterotroph is an organism that cannot fix carbon and uses organic carbon for growth. This contrasts with autotrophs, such as plants and algae, which can use energy from sunlight or inorganic compounds to produce organic compounds such as carbohydrates, fats, and proteins from inorganic carbon...
ic) protists. This term has become dated as our understanding of the evolutionary relationships of the eukaryota has improved.