In: Biology
What is the controversy over the taxonomic classification of euglena?
Euglena is a genus of single-celled flagellate eukaryotes. Euglena have characteristics of both animals and plants, so, it became a task for early taxonomists to classify. They tend to be classified sometimes as protozoans and sometimes as algae. Although they have chloroplast and are photosynthetic autotrophic organisms, these do not have a cell wall. They may survive by eating objects from the surrounding when deprived of light for photosynthesis. Like animals, euglena possess the capacity of self motion by flagellar "tail". It possess eyespot which enables it to use light for directional purpose. These days, euglena are classified as algae but are believed to be ancestors of algae and protozoans. Since euglena displays both animal and plant characters it has become a topic of debate.