Rhizaria
Quick Summary
Rhizaria is a supergroup of amoeboid organisms characterized by thin, often microtubule-reinforced pseudopods (filopods) used for capturing prey and selecting food. These organisms frequently live within protective shells called tests.12
Key features include:
* Pseudopodia: Primarily filose (thin and threadlike), which can form reticulate networks (reticulopodia) or remain nonfusing (filopodia).32
* Tests: Many Rhizaria construct shells from organic materials, calcium carbonate, or silica.12
* Diversity: This group includes well-known organisms like foraminiferans and radiolarians.12
Rhizaria are distinct from Amoebozoa, which possess lobose pseudopods not supported by internal microtubules.2
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