What are the characteristic features of Euglenoids?

The characteristic features of Euglenoids are as follows:

– Habitat: Mostly aquatic, primarily found in freshwater environments such as stagnant water.

– Cell Structure: They lack a rigid cell wall; instead, they possess a protein-rich layer called the pellicle, which provides flexibility and allows movement.

– Pigments: They contain pigments similar to higher plants, such as chlorophyll, making them capable of photosynthesis.

– Flagella: Possess two flagella — a short and a long one — used for movement.

– Mode of Nutrition: They are photosynthetic in the presence of sunlight, like plants, but can also behave heterotrophically by preying on smaller organisms when light is unavailable.

– Reproduction: Usually reproduce asexually through binary fission.

– Other Features: They exhibit flexible body structure due to the pellicle and can switch between autotrophic and heterotrophic modes depending on environmental conditions.

These features make Euglenoids unique among protists, combining characteristics of both plants and animals