Exploring the Mysteries of Xenophyophores

The video explores the mysterious xenophyophores, single-celled organisms found in the ocean. Despite being single-celled, they can grow up to 20 centimeters in diameter and have multiple nuclei, allowing them to perform various functions. Discovered by Henry Bowman Brady in 1883, xenophyophores were classified as foraminifera due to their shell-like structures. These organisms are difficult to study due to their fragility and inability to be grown in labs. They scavenge materials from the ocean floor to build their shells and can absorb radioactive elements, though the reasons remain unclear. The video concludes with a call to support the show on Patreon.

What percentage of the ocean has been explored according to the video?

• Less than 5%

• About 20%

• More than 50%

• Almost 100%

What is the typical size of a xenophyophore?

• 1 cm

• 10 cm

• 50 cm

• 100 cm

Which family of protists do xenophyophores belong to?

• Bacteria

• Fungi

• Foraminifera

• Algae

What is the main challenge in studying xenophyophores?

• They live in freshwater.

• They are too small to see.

• They are fragile and hard to grow in labs.

• They are extinct.

How do xenophyophores manage to be so large?

• They have a single large nucleus.

• They have multiple nuclei.

• They are made of multiple cells.

• They expand by absorbing water.

What is the primary lifestyle of xenophyophores?

• Parasitic

• Scavenging

• Predatory

• Photosynthetic

How do xenophyophores form their shells?

• By secreting calcium carbonate

• By absorbing silica from water

• By photosynthesis

• By scavenging and sticking materials together

What unusual property do some xenophyophores exhibit?

• They are sometimes radioactive.

• They glow in the dark.

• They change color.

• They can fly.

Which elements have been found in high levels in xenophyophore shells?

• Iron and copper

• Zinc and lead

• Uranium and radon

• Gold and silver

What is one theory about why xenophyophores absorb metals?

• To build stronger shells

• To deter predators

• To attract mates

• To act as a sponge for metals