Vorticella. Coloured scanning electron micrograph of a group ciliate protozoa of the genus Vorticella. These aquatic, unicellular creatures belong to

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Vorticella. Coloured scanning electron micrograph of a group ciliate protozoa of the genus Vorticella. These aquatic, unicellular creatures belong to the order Peritricha. Each consists of a bell-shaped head attached to a solid surface by a contractile stalk. The flattened top of the head bears a mouth (seen here in green) surrounded by a complicated wreath of hair-like cilia. The beating of the cilia creates vortices in the water which wash bacteria into the organism's mouth. Magnification unknown.

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Size: 3543px × 2907px
Photo credit: © K.H. KJELDSEN/SCIENCE PHOTO LIBRARY / Alamy / Afripics
License: Licensed
Model Released: No

Keywords: animal, ciliate, invertebrate, invertebrates, nature, peritricha, protozoa, protozoan, sp., type, vorticella, wildlife, zoology