Video Transcript
The kingdom Protista is divided
into multiple phyla. Which of the following statements
best describes organisms belonging to the Euglenophyta phylum? (A) Organisms are unicellular, they
inhabit freshwater or saltwater, and most contain chloroplasts to carry out
photosynthesis. (B) Organisms are mostly
unicellular algae, with their cells often containing chloroplasts and the cell walls
containing silica. (C) Organisms are unicellular, and
they are often found living as parasites on the skin of large animals. Or (D) organisms move by the use of
cilia, and they often predate on smaller protists.
This question is asking us about
characteristics of a phylum within the protist kingdom. We are being asked to recall the
characteristics of the Euglenophyta phylum.
A phylum is a taxonomic rank that
is smaller and more specific than a kingdom. A kingdom contains many phyla. There are four main phyla that are
a part of the protist kingdom. They are Protozoa, Chrysophyta,
Pyrrophyta, and Euglenophyta. This diagram represents a single
Euglena, which is an organism that is classified within the Euglenophyta phylum. Euglena possess many
characteristics common to other members of the Euglenophyta phylum.
Euglena are unicellular
organisms. The word “unicellular” means that
they are organisms that are made of just one cell. Euglena cells are eukaryotic cells,
which means that they possess a nucleus and other membrane-bound organelles. Some of the important organelles
that the Euglena possesses include chloroplasts, which allow them to carry out
photosynthesis. Euglena possess an eyespot, which
is an organelle that detects light.
Euglena also have a flagellum, an
organelle that looks a little like a long tail. The flagellum helps the euglena to
swim. Euglena need a flagellum to help
them swim because they are organisms that live in freshwater.
Now, we have enough information to
choose the correct answer to the question. Organisms that belong to the
Euglenophyta phylum are unicellular. They inhabit fresh water. And most contain chloroplasts to
carry out photosynthesis.
