Ciliate

Ciliates are single-celled organisms characterized by tiny hair-like structures called cilia covering their surfaces. These cilia beat rhythmically, allowing the organism to move through water and to direct food particles toward their oral region. Ciliates are highly diverse, found in freshwater and marine environments, and play important roles in ecosystems by helping decompose organic materials and recycling nutrients. They have complex cellular structures, including a nucleus for gene regulation and specialized organelles for feeding and defense. Their unique ciliary movement and cellular complexity make them a key component of microscopic aquatic life.