Coleps hirtus (a small voracious ciliate)

This ciliate was found in a pond in Flagstaff, Arizona.

This single-celled organism looks a barrel with slats and strapping.

Questions:

• How does this single-celled ciliate move?

• Can you think of other types of movement that are similar to the one you see here?

• For what reasons do you think this critter needs to move?

• How does this ciliate's movement compare to other single-celled organisms?

• How are the cilia (the tiny hair-like fibers) arranged on the organism? Do the cilia in different locations have different functions?

• Can you find any cycles in the video? How do these cycles compare to other cycles you know about?

• What is the advantage to this ciliate for having a tube-like shape? How does this critter use its shape?

• What else can you find out about this critter?

---

More Information:

Go to the ciliates page for more information on these organisms.

---

COMMENTS: