
Ayaa W. answered 03/23/20
Experienced K-12 Tutor with a specialty in STEM subjects
Hi Andrew!
Protozoa are unicellular microscopic Eukaryotes that have the ability to move independently. Their internal structures are relatively complex. Very few protozoa can form a cluster of cells, but even then they are considered unicellular. All of the listed characteristics apply to protozoa. Here is a further breakdown.
Protozoa have two distinct ares in the cytoplasm: the ectoplasm and the endoplasm. The ectoplasm is the outer layer of the cytoplasm while the endoplasm in the inner layer
Most are single cells with complex structures like other eukaryotic cells. Sometimes small clusters of protozoa can form, but protozoa are still considered unicellular.
Protozoa can move using pseudopods, flagella or cilia. These are the three ways that protozoa can move independently. It is important to note, though, that protozoa are non-filamentous.
Protozoa are confined to moist or aquatic environments, so a lack of moisture would be a major limiting factor.
Protozoa are heterotrophic since they utilize carbon as an energy source.
I hope this was helpful!