A Gallery of Protists

A heliozoan is heterotrophic, meaning it consumes plant and animal matter including even small animals. (Dawn Moran, WHOI.)

Tintinnids have transparent vase-like shells for protection, and are consumers of a wide variety of cells and detritus. (Dawn Moran, WHOI.)

Diatoms (this one, Corethron) are at the base of the food chain, using photosynthesis to live, grow, and multiply. (Dawn Moran, WHOI.)

Viewed end-on, the diatom Coscinodiscus is a study in symmetry and pattern, reminiscent of a sunflower's seeds. (Dawn Moran, WHOI.)

The dinoflagellate Dinophysis, plump and harmless-looking, produces a toxin that causes diarrhetic shellfish poisoning. (Dawn Moran, WHOI.)

Dictyocha, a silicoflagellate, has an intricate, internal glassy skeleton and a starry shape that helps it avoid sinking. (Dawn Moran, WHOI.)