Euglena spp.
Freshwater microbe
Euglena spp., an aquatic microbe. Originally classed as a green alga because of the green chlorophyll pigments, Euglena displays many animal-like characteristics such as movement by beating a large flagellum and ability to feed. Euglena also displays a strange Amoeba-like movement. It is now thought that Euglena evolved from an animal-like protist and aquired algal cells symbiotically. Other examples of this type of symbiosis are Paramecium bursaria and lichens.
Photograph detail
Slide 1: Euglena spp., Collected from a temporary pool besides disused railway. Hargill, Redmire. Photographed at x1000, oil immersion, brightfield illumination. February.
Slide 2: Euglena spp., Collected from a temporary pool besides disused railway. Hargill, Redmire. Photographed at x1000, oil immersion, brightfield illumination. Showing free swimming (left) and Amoeba-like movement (right). February.
Slide 3: Euglena spp., Collected from a temporary pool besides disused railway. Hargill, Redmire. Photographed at x400, phase contast illumination. Also showing the Diatom Pinnularia. February.
Slide 4: Euglena spp.. Habitat. A temporary pool besides disused railway. Hargill, Redmire. February.