Microscopic Organisms/Pond Life

Bacteria• Most are so small they

appear as little dots• Some larger ones form

designs and shapes• Once thought to be

algae because they performed photosynthesis

Euglenoids(type of algae)

• Flagella – whip like tail for movement

• Red eyespot to sense light used for energy

• Large numbers may turn ponds bright green

Volvox(green algae)

• Spherical colonies• Bright green cells• Colonies may have up

to 500 cells

Amoeba

• Unicellular protist• Surround and engulf prey• Free forming, can change

shape

Paramecium

• Small unicellular organism

• Swims and rotates slowly

• Covered by hair-like cilia• Feed on bacteria and

smaller microorganisms

Vorticella(type of ciliate)

• Bell shaped or cylindrical body

• Cilia• Attach to plants and

animals• Stalk can contract quickly

Rotifer

• Small mulitcelled animal• Red, light sensitive

eyespots• Use cilia to rotate food

into their mouth

Daphnia

• Crustacean (hardened shell)

• Water flea• Large antennae for

movement• Large eyes

Worm

• Flexible• Break down organic

material on bottom of ponds

• Movements vary by type of worm

Insect Larvae

• Not microscopic, can be seen with naked eye

• Usually transparent• Well developed nervous

system and circular system

Pictures and information found at

The Smallest Page on the Web http://www.microscopy-uk.org.uk/mag/indexmag.html?http://www.microscopy-uk.org.uk/mag/wimsmall/smal1.html