External Features of Amoeba, Hydra and Fasciola

Introduction To The Experiment

Amoeba, hydra, and liver fluke are three distinct species belonging to separate phyla. They do, however, share some characteristics: All three organisms are eukaryotic, possess heterotrophic nutrition, and reproduce asexually. They are also aquatic in nature. These organisms are studied, and their characteristics are carefully examined in this experiment.

Experimental Procedure

The procedure for this experiment involves identifying and examining Amoeba and Hydra permanent slides.

The permanent slides are examined and analysed using the 10X objective lens of the compound microscope.

As part of the experiment, a formalin-preserved liver fluke specimen is also studied.

The details of these organisms studied are as follows:

Amoeba

Amoeba is a unicellular eukaryotic organism found in freshwater bodies, belonging to the Protozoa phylum and Sarcodina class. Its irregular body shape and eukaryotic cell organisation include contractile vacuoles, food vacuoles, and pseudopodia, which are used for locomotion and obtaining food by engulfment.

Hydra

Hydra is a small freshwater carnivore in the Hydrozoa phylum with an elongated cylindrical body called a polyp. It is a diploblastic organism with a unique regeneration capacity and is a hermaphrodite. Hydra shows distinct parts such as tentacles, mouth, and hypostome. The sessile body of a hydra is made up of two layers, and the body cavity is involved in digestion and respiration. The ovaries at the aboral end and the testicles at the oral end are both involved in sexual reproduction in addition to asexual reproduction.

Fasciola

Fasciola hepatic, commonly called liver fluke, is a leaf-like endoparasite that is found in the liver of certain mammals and can cause liver rot (fascioliasis). It has a 20-30 mm length and 4-12 mm width in the middle. The body consists of distinct parts, including an oral sucker, gonopore, and acetabulum. The oral sucker helps in adhesion and feeding, while the gonopore is a genital pore. The acetabulum is a muscular ventral sucker that helps adhere to the liver’s walls. The mouth is an opening at the anterior tip surrounded by the oral sucker. The excretory pore is located at the posterior end of the body, where the network of excretory tubules opens into it.

FAQs on Amoeba, Hydra and Fasciola Features

Q1. Mention the phyla of Amoeba, Hydra, and Fasciola.

Ans. Amoeba belongs to the phylum Protozoa; Hydra belongs to the phylum Coelenterata; and Fasciola hepatica belongs to the phylum Platyhelminthes.

Q2. Mention the disease caused by Fasciola hepatica.

Ans. Fasciola hepatica is an endoparasite found in the liver of certain mammals that can cause an infection known as liver rot (fascioliasis).

Q3. Differentiate between pseudopodia and tentacles.

Ans. Pseudopodia are temporary arm-like extensions of the cell membrane used for locomotion and food capture in single-celled organisms such as amoebas. Conversely, tentacles are elongated, flexible appendages found on the bodies of animals such as Hydra and jellyfish. They are usually lined with stinging cells, which can immobilise animals and deter predators.

Q4. With reference to Hydra, define oral and aboral ends.

Ans. The mouth of Hydra opens at one end of the body cavity and indicates the oral end. The opposing pole is the aboral end, which forms the pedal or basal disc.