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Definition

A taxonomic group belonging to Mastigophora, and includes all flagellate protozoans that are characteristically colourless and heterotrophic.

Supplement

It includes all animal-like protozoa that use flagella for locomotion. Class Zoomastigophorea consists of nine orders:

• Choanoflagellida
• Bicosoecida
• Rhizomastigida
• Kinetoplastida
• Retortamonadida
• Diplomonadida
• Oxymonadida
• Trichomonadida
• Hypermastigida

Word origin: Greek: zôion, animal + mastīgophóros, whip-bearing.

See also: zooflagellate, protozoa.