Hypotrichida
Hypotrichida is an order of single-celled ciliates within the phylum Ciliophora. Members are notable for their highly organized ciliature, including numerous cirri—tufts of fused cilia—on the ventral surface and distinctive dorsal ciliary rows. This elaborate pattern of cilia underpins their movement, which can range from slow gliding to more rapid, leg-like steps along substrate or detritus. The body is typically elongated and flexible, with a complex oral apparatus and dorsal ciliature that varies among species.
Morphologically, hypotrichs possess different ciliary elements arranged into ventral cirri and specialized dorsal and lateral rows.
Ecology and distribution are broad: hypotrichs are predominantly free-living, inhabiting freshwater and marine environments, often on
Reproduction occurs mainly by asexual binary fission, though sexual processes such as conjugation can occur in