Elegant Eudorina
Eudorina elegans
Eudorina elegans is a microscopic, colony-forming green alga typically composed of 16 or 32 individual cells. These cells are arranged within a spherical or ellipsoidal gelatinous matrix and each possesses two flagella, allowing for coordinated movement. The species is globally distributed in stagnant, usually nutrient-rich freshwater environments.
Details
Oxygen production
Produces oxygen as a byproduct of photosynthesis.
Habitat function
Provides food for primary consumers.
Nutrient uptake
Absorbs nitrogen and phosphorus directly from the water column.
Food source for
Zooplankton and planktivorous juvenile fish.
Human use
Used in biological research as a model organism for the evolution of multicellularity.
Ecology
Ecological role
Important primary producer in the pelagic zone of freshwater ecosystems.
Natural predators
Filter-feeding zooplankton such as Daphnia and rotifers.
Competitor species
Other phytoplankton species such as Volvox or Pandorina.
Ecosystem service
Oxygen production and foundation of the aquatic food web.
Threats
Excessive herbicide pollution and extreme acidification of water bodies.
Scientific profile
Profile
Distinguishing features
Cells within the gelatinous matrix are clearly separated from each other (unlike Pandorina); cells are usually of equal size; gelatinous sheath often shows distinct layers or posterior projections; phototactic orientation of the colony.
Reproduction
Asexual via multiple cell division, where each cell of the mother colony forms a new daughter colony; sexual via oogamy (fertilization of small male spermatozoids with large female egg cells).
Protection & threats
Status not on standard scale
Main threats
Threatened primarily by extreme acidification of water bodies or toxic contamination by herbicides; overall widespread.
Conservation measures
Protection and restoration of standing water bodies; management of nutrient input to prevent hypertrophy.