Protozoan: meaning, definitions and examples
๐ฆ
protozoan
[ หprลtษหzลษn ]
biology term
A protozoan is a single-celled organism that belongs to the kingdom Protista. They are largely microscopic and can be found in various habitats such as freshwater, saltwater, and soil. Protozoans display a wide diversity in form and function, and often exhibit motility through means such as flagella, cilia, or pseudopodia. Many protozoans are free-living, while others can be parasitic, causing diseases in humans and animals. Their study is crucial for understanding ecosystems and the role of microorganisms in health and disease.
Synonyms
protozoon, single-celled organism.
Examples of usage
- Protozoans like amoebas move using pseudopodia.
- Malaria is caused by a protozoan parasite.
- Scientists study protozoans to learn about cell behavior.
- Some protozoans are key indicators of water quality.
- Giardia is a common protozoan that affects gastrointestinal health.
Translations
Translations of the word "protozoan" in other languages:
๐ต๐น protozoรกrio
๐ฎ๐ณ เคธเฅเคเฅเคทเฅเคฎเคเฅเคต
๐ฉ๐ช Protozoon
๐ฎ๐ฉ protozoa
๐บ๐ฆ ะฟัะพัะพะทะพะน
๐ต๐ฑ protisty
๐ฏ๐ต ๅ็็็ฉ
๐ซ๐ท protozoaire
๐ช๐ธ protozoo
๐น๐ท protozoa
๐ฐ๐ท ์์์๋ฌผ
๐ธ๐ฆ ุฃูููุงุช
๐จ๐ฟ protozoa
๐ธ๐ฐ prvoci
๐จ๐ณ ๅ็ๅจ็ฉ
๐ธ๐ฎ protozoj
๐ฎ๐ธ frumverur
๐ฐ๐ฟ ะฟัะพัะพะทะพะฐ
๐ฌ๐ช แแ แแขแแแแ
๐ฆ๐ฟ protozoa
๐ฒ๐ฝ protozoo
Etymology
The term 'protozoan' comes from the Greek words 'prลtos', meaning 'first', and 'zลon', meaning 'animal'. This etymology reflects the historical belief that protozoans are among the simplest forms of animal life. The classification of protozoans has evolved significantly since the term was first used in the early 19th century. Originally, protozoans were grouped as a separate animal kingdom due to their single-celled structure and supposed simplicity. However, with advances in microscopy and molecular biology, scientists have re-evaluated the classification and relationships among organisms, including protozoans. Today, they are considered part of the broader group of eukaryotes, emphasizing their importance in the tree of life. Despite being perceived as simple organisms, protozoans play complex roles in ecosystems, contributing to nutrient cycling and serving as a food source in various food webs.
Word Frequency Rank
At rank #26,949, this word represents specialized academic or technical vocabulary. It's less frequently encountered but may be valuable in specific contexts.
- ...
- 26946 unreasoning
- 26948 protรฉgรฉ
- 26949 protozoan
- 26950 gnaw
- 26951 goblins
- 26952 buttock
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