noun
- A flagellated protist that contains chlorophyll and is capable of photosynthesis; a photosynthetic flagellate.
Usage: biology; technical
Examples
- Phytoflagellates are single-celled organisms found in marine and freshwater environments.
- Many phytoflagellates form the base of aquatic food chains through photosynthesis.
- Dinoflagellates are a common type of phytoflagellate in ocean ecosystems.
- The researcher studied phytoflagellate populations in the lake to assess water quality.
- Phytoflagellates use their flagella to move toward light sources for optimal photosynthesis.