Protozoa are unicellular eukaryotes that can range in size from 10 to 52 micrometers but sometimes grow up to 1 millimeter. They exist throughout water and soil and occupy different trophic levels. While previously grouped with algae and fungi in the Protista kingdom, modern classification systems do not consider Protozoa a formal taxon, instead categorizing them along with ciliates, mastigophorans, and apicomplexans as animal-like protists below the kingdom Metazoa. Common examples of protozoa include amoebas, paramecia, and trypanosomes.

1. ProtozoaBy Sanchay GumberProtozoaWhat are protozoa?Protozoa are microorganisms classified as unicellular eukaryotes. Protozoa are paraphyletic. Though they have sometimes been described as a subkingdom or phylum, they do not constitute a formal taxon in modern classification systems .

2. ProtozoaTypes of protozoa:Amoeba: Paramecium:Euglena:

3. CharacteristicsThe most important protozoans range usually from 10 to 52 micrometers, but can grow as large as 1 mm, and are seen easily by microscope.They were considered formerly to be part of the protista family. Protozoa exist throughout aqueous environments and soil, occupying a range of trophic levels.

4. ClassificationProtozoa were previously often grouped in the kingdom of Protista, together with the plant-like algae and fungus-like slime molds. As a result of 21st-century systematics, protozoa, along with ciliates, mastigophorans, and apicomplexans, are arranged as animal-like protists. With the possible exception of Myxozoa, protozoa are not categorized as Metazoa. Protozoans are unicellular organisms and are often called the animal-like protists because they subsist entirely on other organisms for food. Most protozoans can move about on their own. Amoebas, Paramecia, and Trypanosomes are all examples of animal-like Protists.

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