Habitat & Food
Euglena can inhabit fresh water as well as marine water. However, they are most commonly found in water bodies such as streams, ponds, and lakes. An idea habitat for Euglena would have plenty of exposure to the sunlight (such as a surface of a pond) for the organism to conduct photosynthesis, as well as be rich in organic matter where it can find carbon-based food. A Euglena can also adapt itself to the environment by surrounding itself with a protective wall and laying inactive as a spore until the conditions improve. The organelle stigma ( a light detecting and photo-sensitive eyespot) allows certain light wavelengths to be detected so the the Euglena can adjust its position accordingly to enhance photosynthesis, while the mobility from the pellicle and the flagellum allows for hunting of amoeba, paramecium, and green Algae when there is insufficient light.
When the conditions are right, they can bloom in numbers enough to colour the surface of a pond green, or, in the case of species of Euglena that can produce pigments to protect their chloroplasts, red. However, they are harmless to humans other than being a sign of unclean swimming pools.
When the conditions are right, they can bloom in numbers enough to colour the surface of a pond green, or, in the case of species of Euglena that can produce pigments to protect their chloroplasts, red. However, they are harmless to humans other than being a sign of unclean swimming pools.
Photo retrieved from http://www.clemson.edu/extension/natural_resources/water/stormwater_ponds/aquatic_weeds/algae_planktonic/index.html