Question

Amoeba is a/an
A) Protozoan
B) Poriferan
C) Echinodermata
D) Molluscan

Answer 1

Amoeba is a single-celled organism with the ability to change shape. They are typically found in bodies of water such as ponds, lakes, and slow-moving rivers. These unicellular organisms can sometimes make their way inside the human body and cause a variety of illnesses.

Complete answer:
One of the first reports mentioning amoebas dates back to the 18th century. In 1755, a German naturalist named August Johann Rösel von Rosenhof discovered a specimen and made detailed illustrations of it.

Amoebas are traditionally classified as members of the Kingdom Protista because they are neither plants, animals, nor fungi. Amoebas, on the other hand, are eukaryotes because they have a true nucleus. Though not a true amoeba, the Naegleria fowleri, also known as the brain-eating amoeba, is an amoeboid organism that can enter the human body through the nose. It primarily feeds on neurons, thereby destroying the brain tissue. Unsurprisingly, the fatality rate of this infection is high – 97%.

Thus, Amoeba is a tiny, unicellular protozoa in the phylum Sarcodina (or primary division of the animal kingdom). It can be found in freshwater and saltwater, as well as soil and as parasites in moist animal body parts. They are made up of cytoplasm (cellular fluid) that is divided into two parts: an outer, clear, gel-like layer that acts as a membrane (ectoplasm) and an inner, more watery grainy mass (endoplasm) that contains containing structures called as organelles.

So, the answer is option ‘A’ i.e, Protozoan.

Note: Plant cells, algae, microscopic protozoa and metazoa, and bacteria are all eaten by amoebas; some amoebas are parasites. So they eat by encircling tiny food particles with pseudopods, forming a bubble-like food vacuole that digests the food.