Why euglenoids called mixotrophs?
Answers
Euglena are mixotrophs meaning that they are both autotrophs and heterotrophs. This is possible because of the animal and plant like characteristics Euglena has. The choloroplast in Euglena gives it the ability to provide nutrients for itself through the process of photosynthesis. Now if you were able to make yourself food why would you go bother hunting for food? Well even though Euglena is very efficient through photosynthesis the Sun is not always up and therefore is not a constant supply of food for them. Euglena is usually around green algae which is their other food source. Whenever there is a lot of algae around Euglena will always be there to enjoy their constant source of nutrients. With the ability to surround and absorb other organisms for food the Euglena is never short on nutrients which is why it is such a successful organism. Euglena can always find a food source.