Volvox  -  spherical algae

Phylum:   Chlorophyta

Class:   Volvolcales

Volvox are found in still-water lakes, ponds and ditches, and usually occur over the summer period in Australia.  Algal blooms can occur in waters containing high levels of dissolved nitrogen.  Colonies of Volvox are usually visible to the naked eye, being up to 1mm in diameter and contain up to 50,000 cells.  These cells are arranged in a single layer and have two flagella.  They are similar to Chlamydomonas in appearance.  Colonies of Volvox move with a highly characteristic rolling motion.  Often colonies will contain one or more daughter colonies.

See : BioCam Chart WC69 Volvox

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