AMOEBA CYSTS

AMOEBA: (syn. Rhizopods, Testaceans, Thecamoebae) Protozoans in the subclass Testacealobios of the Rhizopoda are characterized by shells or tests enclosing the protoplasm. The tests are 5 - 250 µm in size and are generally resistant to routine pollen extraction procedures. The organisms are abundant in mesic habitats ranging from damp soil to lakes. The tests are urn-shaped to flattened, with various sculpturing and ornamentation.

Refrences: Burbidge Susan M., and Claudia J. Schroder-Adams 1999. Thecamoebians in Lake Winnipeg: a tool for Holocene paleolimnology. J. Palim. Vol. 19. p. 309-328. Ellison, R. L. 1995. Paleolimnological analysis of Ullswater using testate amoebae J. Palim. Vol. 13. p. 51-63. Gray, J. 1988. Paleolimnology - aspects of freshwater paleoecology and biogeography. Elsevier reprint of Palaeo Palaeo Palaeo vol. 62 (no 1-4). 678 p. Warner, B.G. 1990. Testate Amoeba, pp. 65 - 70 in: Warner, B.G. Methods in Quaternary Ecology. Geosciences Canada Reprint Series 5. 170 p. Links: Martin Adler's Testaceans and other water animals Microscopy-UK Richard Howey U Berkeley Introduction to the Testaceafilosea

Owen Davis 12/99