|
|
||||
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
||||
|
|
 |
 |
 |
|
|
Click on images for larger format |
||||
Name derivation: |
||||
|
"Little whirlpool" -- Whirpool Vortic - little –ella |
||||
Classification: |
||||
|
Order Sessilida; Family Vorticellidae At least 16 recognized species. Classified as a peritrich oligohymenophora (Patterson 1992). |
||||
Morphology: |
||||
|
Cone-shaped ciliate that can be distinguished from other ciliates by their unbranched stalk by which adults attach to substrata. The stalk organelle, called a myoneme or spamoneme, is contractile and forms a coil (see picture here). It coils upon contraction, possibly as a defense mechanism against mechanical disturbance such as water turbulence. Individuals can detach from their substrate when conditions deteriorate. Reproduces by budding. |
||||
Similar genera: |
||||
|
|
||||
Habitat: |
||||
|
Freshwater lakes and streams. |
||||
References: |
||||
|
Patterson, D.J. 1992. Free-living freshwater protozoa – A colour guied. UNSW Press. Shiono H. and Y. Naitoh. 1997. Cellular contraction precedes membrane depolarization in Vorticella convallaria. J. exp. biol. 200: 2249-2261 |
||||
