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rhizopod
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rhizopod

organism
Also known as: Rhizopoda, Rhizopodea, rhizopod sarcodine
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History

rhizopod, any member of the protozoan superclass Rhizopoda. Three types of pseudopodia (cytoplasmic extensions) used in locomotion and digestion are found in members of this superclass: (1) long, thin reticulopodia, which fuse into a network; (2) nonfusing filopodia, similar to reticulopodia; and (3) blunt and fingerlike lobopodia (the pseudopodia formed by Amoeba). Tests (protective shells) are common. For information on important members of the superclass, see amoeba; Entamoeba; foraminiferan; testacean.