Kentrophoros: The Mouthless Ciliate With a Back Full of Snacks

The video explores epibiosis, focusing on the ciliate Kentrophoros and its bacterial relationships. It discusses the discovery of Kentrophoros, its unique features, and the symbiotic relationships it forms with bacteria. The video compares these relationships to other symbiotic examples, highlighting adaptations and survival strategies. It concludes by reflecting on the complexities of these interactions in the unseen world.

What is epibiosis?

• A relationship where one organism consumes another

• A relationship where one organism lives inside another

• A relationship where one organism lives on the surface of another

• A relationship where two organisms share the same habitat

What are the two notable features of Kentra Phoros?

• It is mouthless and has a coat of bacteria

• It is colorful and has fins

• It has a mouth and a tail

• It is transparent and has a shell

How do scientists determine the relationship between different Kentra Phoros species?

• By observing their behavior

• By comparing their habitats

• By studying their DNA

• By analyzing their diet

What type of bacteria primarily live on Kentra Phoros?

• Oxygen-producing bacteria

• Photosynthetic bacteria

• Nitrogen-fixing bacteria

• Sulfur-based bacteria

What is the main benefit for Kentra Phoros in its relationship with bacteria?

• Increased mobility

• Nutritional benefits from bacterial metabolites

• Access to light

• Protection from predators

How do the bacteria on Kentra Phoros divide?

• By forming spores

• By budding off new cells

• By splitting along their longer axis

• By splitting along their shorter axis

What is a potential risk for the bacteria living on Kentra Phoros?

• Being attacked by other microorganisms

• Being exposed to too much light

• Being consumed by Kentra Phoros

• Being washed away by water currents