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A Gallery of Protists

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    A heliozoan is heterotrophic, meaning it consumes plant and animal matter including even small animals. (Dawn Moran, WHOI.)
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    Tintinnids have transparent vase-like shells for protection, and are consumers of a wide variety of cells and detritus. (Dawn Moran, WHOI.)
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    Diatoms (this one, Corethron) are at the base of the food chain, using photosynthesis to live, grow, and multiply. (Dawn Moran, WHOI.)
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    Viewed end-on, the diatom Coscinodiscus is a study in symmetry and pattern, reminiscent of a sunflower's seeds. (Dawn Moran, WHOI.)
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    The dinoflagellate Dinophysis, plump and harmless-looking, produces a toxin that causes diarrhetic shellfish poisoning. (Dawn Moran, WHOI.)
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    Dictyocha, a silicoflagellate, has an intricate, internal glassy skeleton and a starry shape that helps it avoid sinking. (Dawn Moran, WHOI.)

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