Suctorians: The Ugly Duckling of Ciliates

Suctorians are unique microbes that differ from typical ciliates due to their lack of cilia in adulthood. They use tentacles for hunting and feeding, employing a polystomy method. Despite lacking a cytoproct, they have devised unique waste disposal methods. Suctorians are classified as ciliates because their young, called swarmers, possess cilia. This lifecycle allows them to spread and adapt, showcasing the diversity within the ciliate family.

What is a key characteristic that differentiates suctorians from other ciliates?

• Presence of cilia

• Lack of tentacles

• Absence of cilia

• Having a traditional mouth

How do suctorians use their tentacles?

• To grab and immobilize prey

• To swim

• To communicate

• For photosynthesis

What unique feature do suctorians have instead of a traditional mouth?

• A beak

• Many small mouths

• A single large mouth

• A filter system

How do suctorians dispose of waste?

• Through a single opening

• By excreting through their tentacles

• By regurgitating

• Through a cyto product

Why are suctorians classified as ciliates despite their differences?

• They have a swarmer stage with cilia

• They share the same habitat as other ciliates

• They have tentacles like other ciliates

• They have cilia throughout their life

What happens during the swarmer stage of suctorians?

• They grow a mouth

• They become stationary

• They develop tentacles

• They have bands of cilia for movement

What is the primary purpose of the swarmer stage in suctorians?

• To reproduce

• To spread and move

• To grow tentacles

• To hunt