Question

The class of phylum protozoa in which nutrition is most varied is known as
A. Sporozoa
B. Rhizopoda
C. Mastigophora
D. Ciliata

Answer 1

Hint:Phylum Protozoa includes unicellular organisms which are eukaryotic.
Protozoan organisms show both heterotrophic and autotrophic nutrition. These organisms can be motile or non-motile. Show movement with the help of flagella and cilia.

Complete Answer: Protozoans are classified according to the locomotive organs. These are classified into four classes- that are Mastigophora, Sarcodina, Sporozoa, and Ciliophora.
In class, Mastigophora flagella are found as locomotive organs that’s why these are also called flagellate. These show both heterotrophic and autotrophic types of nutrition. That’s why it is said that in this class nutrition is most varied.
Class Mastigophora is classified in Phytomastigophora and Zoomastigophora.
In organisms of Phytomastigophora pigments are found. These are aquatic and covered by an exoskeleton of calcium. Organisms like Euglena, Chlamydomonas, Noctiluca, and Volvox are included. These are autotrophic and do photosynthesis.
Organisms of Zoomastigophora are found as parasites or symbionts. Some organisms are marine. Examples are Leishmania, Trypanosoma, and Giardia.
Trypanosoma is a parasite that completes its life cycle in two host organisms are Sandfly and vertebrate. This causes sleeping sickness in humans.

So the correct option is C. Mastigophora.

Note: Noctiluca is a member of Phytomastigophora that shows bioluminescence. This is also called the fire of the sea.
Trichonympha is a member of Zoomastigophora that live as a symbiont in the gut of termite and digest cellulose.