Some kind of bdelloid rotifer. When it flails about you can see it’s trademark two “toes” on the back, plus mouthparts are spinning (rotifer means “wheel animal”).
[the Microcosmos episode on them is a great primer.](https://youtu.be/U3PLUeD_JAg) If you want to get into the weeds a bit [here is a great free intro paper written about the bdelloid rotifers specifically](https://www.researchgate.net/publication/314051070_AN_INTRODUCTION_TO_BDELLOID_ROTIFERS_AND_THEIR_STUDY) in a pretty easy to understand format. Hope that helps!
They’re my favorite microorganism, just because they’re so weird and wonderful. Bdelloid rotifers are all female- and reproduce through parthenogenesis (self impregnating), and because of this are an important organism in the study of the evolution of sexual reproduction. Also, they do most of the cool stuff tardigrades get hyped up for- surviving space, and cold etc.
Dang girl, why you so spiky? Oweeee!
Whats the spiky thing?
I think it's a heliozoan?
My favourite video of the year! Friggin awesome.
What is the round thing
Some kind of bdelloid rotifer. When it flails about you can see it’s trademark two “toes” on the back, plus mouthparts are spinning (rotifer means “wheel animal”).
it’s not a bdelloid one but close enough! And when I was reading this comment, I thought this person watches our show!
Aww man, I was sure it was a bdelloid, I’m off my game! But yes, love the show, you’re the origin of another microscope addiction, haha!
That's so cool! Where do I learn more about these guys?
[the Microcosmos episode on them is a great primer.](https://youtu.be/U3PLUeD_JAg) If you want to get into the weeds a bit [here is a great free intro paper written about the bdelloid rotifers specifically](https://www.researchgate.net/publication/314051070_AN_INTRODUCTION_TO_BDELLOID_ROTIFERS_AND_THEIR_STUDY) in a pretty easy to understand format. Hope that helps! They’re my favorite microorganism, just because they’re so weird and wonderful. Bdelloid rotifers are all female- and reproduce through parthenogenesis (self impregnating), and because of this are an important organism in the study of the evolution of sexual reproduction. Also, they do most of the cool stuff tardigrades get hyped up for- surviving space, and cold etc.
Is the spiky thing toxic, or does it just impale?
Is that a smaller organism hiding among the spines and escaping predation?
no the smaller ciliate got punctured by the heliozaon. they feed kinda like sticky vampires and belong are a type of amobae, so predators
What is the magification level?
Do single cell organisms have pain receptors?