ECONOMIC IMPORTANCE OF PROTOZOA
Protozoa as Animal
food
§ The
major ecological importance of protozoa is its role in food chain.
§ Many
aquatic animals feed on protozoa.
§ For
example, giant whales screen seawater to get tons of protozoa for food.
§ Many
fishes and invertebrates rely on protozoa as major sources of protein.
Environmental applications
§
Protozoa help control the population of bacteria
as well as other Protozoans by feeding on them.
§
Important link in food chain. Example:
Zooplanktons (animal like organisms) are Protozoa feed on the photosynthetic
Phytoplankton (plant like organisms).
§
Controlling the population of other organisms is
important in maintaining ecological balance and diversity.
§
Like bacteria, aquatic and terrestrial protozoa
hasten the decomposition of the remains of dead plants and animals
Symbiotic relationships
§
Many species of protozoa are in mutual
relationship with other animals.
§
For example, zooxanthellae are flagellates
protozoa and intracellular symbionts of corals.
§
Zooxanthellae provide corals with a continuous
supply of carbohydrates and corals provide zooxanthellae home and
protection.
§
Protozoa are ecologically important organisms in
carbon cycling.
§
The ocean is the largest sink for atmospheric carbon
dioxide – the major greenhouse gas.
§
Industrial waste water treatment in combining
with algae.
§
Waste water supports growth of both organisms,
protozoa utilises inorganic material from tank, algae photosynthesis the
organic material and water quality improves.
§
Photosynthetic protozoa absorb carbon dioxide
for photosynthesis.
§
By recycling carbon dioxide, protozoa contribute
in the mitigation of global warming
Bio-indicator
§
Protozoa can also be used as bioindicators.
§
Biological indicators are organisms used to
monitor the health and integrity of an environment.
§
The presence or absence of a specific protozoon
in an environment (e.g. river) can indicate either ecological integrity or
disturbance.
§
Protozoans are good in accumulating
environmental toxins.
Industrial applications
§
The skeletal deposits of marine protozoa
(Foraminifera and Radiolaria) form oceanic ooze at the sea-bottom.
§
For example: Globigerina ooze –
deposits are used as filtering agents.
§
Camerina – forms limestone used
as building material.
§
The pyramids of Egypt are made largely of this
Nummulitic lime-stones
Oil exploration
§ Petroleum
is organic origin.
§
The skeletal deposit of Formmifera and
Radiolaria are often found in association with oil deposits.
§ In
this manner they help in the exact location of oil.
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