Zoology Question 50 – AP-EAMCET 2025
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Filopodia are thin, thread-like cytoplasmic extensions or pseudopods, primarily composed of actin filaments. They are used by cells for sensing the environment, adhesion, and locomotion. In protozoa, they are a specific type of pseudopod.
Distinguish filopodia from other types of pseudopods like lobopodia (blunt, finger-like) and reticulopodia (net-like, branching).
Let's examine the characteristic structures for movement and feeding in each given organism:
1. **Euglypha:** This is a testate amoeba (shelled amoeba) that extends fine, thread-like pseudopods, which are indeed filopodia, through an opening in its shell for movement and capturing food.
2. **Euglena:** This is a flagellate, meaning it primarily moves using one or more flagella, not pseudopods.
3. **Amoeba:** Typically referring to naked amoebae like *Amoeba proteus*, these organisms move and feed using broad, blunt pseudopods called lobopodia.
4. **Elphidium:** This is a foraminiferan, which extends a complex network of fine, branching, and anastomosing pseudopods called reticulopodia. Reticulopodia are a specialized type of filopodia, but Euglypha is a more direct and classic example of an organism primarily characterized by filopodia among the choices.
Remember that different groups of protozoa have evolved distinct types of pseudopods or other locomotory structures.
Based on the analysis, *Euglypha* is a well-known example of a protozoan that utilizes filopodia for its locomotion and feeding activities. While *Elphidium* uses reticulopodia (a type of filopodia), *Euglypha* is a more direct and commonly cited example for the presence of filopodia.
When multiple options might seem related, choose the most direct or classic example that fits the description.