70 Locations Where Amoeba Can Be Seen Around The World
The kingdom Protista includes single-celled organisms like Amoeba. They can be found in various terrestrial and aquatic settings, where they form an integral part of the food chain. They can be found in a wide range of habitats, such as freshwater, soil, and marine habitats, as well as in other species including insects and mammals.
Amoeba are renowned for their capacity to extend and retract their pseudopodia, or false feet, allowing them to change shape and move.
Amoebae come in many different species, yet they all have some common traits. The majority of amoeba are extremely small, with diameters ranging from a few micrometres to several hundred micrometres.
They differ from many other types of cells in that they have a single nucleus and no cell wall, making them more flexible and adaptable. The numerous settings that are favourable for amoeba growth will be discussed in this article.
Here are the 103 locations where Amoeba can be seen around the world. Check these out:
1. Wetlands:
Amoeba can be found in wetlands, which are areas that are wet for extended periods of time. Examples of amoeba found in wetlands include the testate amoeba (Difflugia spp) and the amoeba species (Chaos spp).
2. Rivers:
Amoeba can be found in rivers, which are freshwater bodies of flowing water. Examples of amoeba found in rivers include the freshwater amoeba (Acanthamoeba spp) and the amoeba species (Echinamoeba exundans).
3. Lakes:
Amoeba can be found in lakes, which are large bodies of freshwater. Examples of amoeba found in lakes include the amoeba species (Chaos spp) and the freshwater amoeba (Vannella spp).
4. Ponds:
Amoeba can be found in ponds, which are small bodies of freshwater. Examples of amoeba found in ponds include the naked amoeba (Gymnamoeba spp) and the freshwater amoeba (Chaos carolinensis).
5. Hot springs:
Amoeba can be found in hot springs, which are natural springs of water that are heated by geothermal activity. Examples of amoeba found in hot springs include the testate amoeba (Nebela spp) and the freshwater amoeba (Vannella spp).
6. Hydrothermal vents:
Amoeba can be found in hydrothermal vents, which are openings in the Earth’s crust that release hot, mineral-rich fluids into the ocean. Examples of amoeba found in hydrothermal vents include the marine amoeba (Chaos marina) and the testate amoeba (Difflugia spp).
7. Brackish water:
Amoeba can be found in brackish water, which is a mix of freshwater and saltwater. Examples of amoeba found in brackish water include the marine amoeba (Chaos marina) and the testate amoeba (Difflugia spp).
8. Groundwater:
Amoeba can be found in groundwater, which is the water that fills the spaces between rocks and soil beneath the Earth’s surface. Examples of amoeba found in groundwater include the freshwater amoeba (Acanthamoeba spp) and the soil amoeba (Acanthamoeba spp).
9. Forest floors:
Amoeba can be found in forest floors, which are the bottom layers of soil in a forest. Examples of amoeba found in forest floors include the giant amoeba (Gymnamoeba spp) and the soil amoeba (Acanthamoeba spp).
10. Compost piles:
Amoeba can be found in compost piles, which are piles of decomposing organic matter. Examples of amoeba found in compost piles include the giant amoeba (Gymnamoeba spp) and the soil amoeba (Acanthamoeba spp).
11. Bird nests:
Amoeba can be found in bird nests, which are structures built by birds for nesting and raising their young. Examples of amoeba found in bird nests include the amoeba species (Echinamoeba exundans) and the soil amoeba (Acanthamoeba spp).
12. Termite mounds:
Amoeba can be found in termite mounds, which are structures built by termites for shelter and to regulate the temperature and humidity inside. Examples of amoeba found in termite mounds include the soil amoeba (Acanthamoeba spp) and the freshwater amoeba (Chaos carolinensis).
13. Coral reefs:
Amoeba can be found in coral reefs, which are underwater structures made of calcium carbonate secreted by corals. Examples of amoeba found in coral reefs include the marine amoeba (Chaos marina) and the testate amoeba (Difflugia spp).
14. Soil:
Amoeba can be found in soil, which is the uppermost layer of Earth’s crust that supports plant growth. Examples of amoeba found in soil include the soil amoeba (Acanthamoeba spp) and the giant amoeba (Gymnamoeba spp).
15. Sediment:
Amoeba can be found in sediment, which is the matter that settles at the bottom of bodies of water. Examples of amoeba found in sediment include the testate amoeba (Difflugia spp) and the marine amoeba (Chaos marina).
16. Algae:
Amoeba can be found in algae, which are photosynthetic organisms that live in water and provide food for many aquatic animals. Examples of amoeba found in algae include the marine amoeba (Chaos marina) and the freshwater amoeba (Vannella spp).
17. Protozoan parasites:
Amoeba can be found in protozoan parasites, which are single-celled organisms that can cause disease in humans and animals. Examples of amoeba found in protozoan parasites include the brain-eating amoeba (Naegleria fowleri) and the amoeba that causes Acanthamoeba keratitis.
18. Plants:
Amoeba can be found in plants, particularly in the root systems where they can feed on bacteria and other microorganisms. Examples of amoeba found in plants include the soil amoeba (Acanthamoeba spp) and the freshwater amoeba (Chaos carolinensis).
19. Aquatic plants:
Amoeba can be found in aquatic plants, which are plants that grow in or near water. Examples of amoeba found in aquatic plants include the marine amoeba (Chaos marina) and the freshwater amoeba (Vannella spp).
20. Insects:
Amoeba can be found in insects, particularly in their digestive tracts where they can feed on bacteria and other microorganisms. Examples of amoeba found in insects include the soil amoeba (Acanthamoeba spp) and the freshwater amoeba (Chaos carolinensis).
21. Snails:
Amoeba can be found in snails, particularly in their digestive tracts where they can feed on bacteria and other microorganisms. Examples of amoeba found in snails include the soil amoeba (Acanthamoeba spp) and the freshwater amoeba (Chaos carolinensis).
22. Crustaceans:
Amoeba can be found in crustaceans, particularly in their digestive tracts where they can feed on bacteria and other microorganisms. Examples of amoeba found in crustaceans include the marine amoeba (Chaos marina) and the freshwater amoeba (Vannella spp).
23. Fish:
Amoeba can be found in fish, particularly in their gills and digestive tracts where they can feed on bacteria and other microorganisms. Examples of amoeba found in fish include the marine amoeba (Chaos marina) and the freshwater amoeba (Vannella spp).
24. Reptiles:
Amoeba can be found in reptiles, particularly in their digestive tracts where they can feed on bacteria and other microorganisms. Examples of amoeba found in reptiles include the soil amoeba (Acanthamoeba spp) and the freshwater amoeba (Chaos carolinensis).
25. Deep-sea sediments:
Amoeba can be found in deep-sea sediments, which are layers of sediment that accumulate on the ocean floor. Examples of amoeba found in deep-sea sediments include the marine amoeba (Vampyrellidium spp) and the thermophilic amoeba (Acanthamoeba spp).
26. Water droplets:
Amoeba can be found in water droplets, particularly those that form on surfaces such as plants and rocks. Examples of amoeba found in water droplets include the freshwater amoeba (Vannella spp) and the marine amoeba (Chaos marina).
27. Biofilms:
Amoeba can be found in biofilms, which are communities of microorganisms that adhere to surfaces such as rocks and pipes. Examples of amoeba found in biofilms include the soil amoeba (Acanthamoeba spp) and the freshwater amoeba (Chaos carolinensis).
28. Wastewater:
Amoeba can be found in wastewater, which is the water that has been used in homes and businesses and is treated at wastewater treatment plants. Examples of amoeba found in wastewater include the soil amoeba (Acanthamoeba spp) and the freshwater amoeba (Chaos carolinensis).
29. Compost:
Amoeba can be found in compost, which is a mixture of organic waste that is decomposing. Examples of amoeba found in compost include the soil amoeba (Acanthamoeba spp) and the freshwater amoeba (Chaos carolinensis).
30. Seaweed:
Amoeba can be found on seaweed, which are marine algae that grow in shallow water. Examples of amoeba found on seaweed include the marine amoeba (Vannella spp) and the freshwater amoeba (Hartmannella spp).
31. Coral reefs:
Amoeba can be found in coral reefs, which are underwater ecosystems that are home to a diverse range of marine organisms. Examples of amoeba found in coral reefs include the marine amoeba (Vannella spp) and the freshwater amoeba (Hartmannella spp).
32. Thermal vents:
Amoeba can be found in thermal vents, which are underwater vents that release hot, mineral-rich water. Examples of amoeba found in thermal vents include the marine amoeba (Chaos marina) and the thermophilic amoeba (Naegleria spp).
33. Snow:
Amoeba can be found in snow samples, particularly in areas with high levels of pollution. Examples of amoeba found in snow include the soil amoeba (Acanthamoeba spp) and the freshwater amoeba (Vermamoeba spp).
34. Oil spills:
Amoeba can be found in areas affected by oil spills, particularly in sediments and soils. Examples of amoeba found in oil spills include the soil amoeba (Acanthamoeba spp) and the marine amoeba (Vannella spp).
35. Fecal matter:
Amoeba can be found in fecal matter, particularly in animal and human waste. Examples of amoeba found in fecal matter include the gut amoeba (Entamoeba histolytica) and the freshwater amoeba (Vannella spp).
36. Food products:
Amoeba can be found in food products, particularly in raw or undercooked meats and vegetables. Examples of amoeba found in food products include the gut amoeba (Entamoeba histolytica) and the freshwater amoeba (Acanthamoeba spp).
37. Aquariums:
Amoeba can be found in aquariums, particularly in the water and surfaces of the tanks. Examples of amoeba found in aquariums include the freshwater amoeba (Vermamoeba spp) and the marine amoeba (Chaos marina).
38. Medical devices:
Amoeba can be found in medical devices, particularly those that come into contact with the eyes or the respiratory system. Examples of amoeba found in medical devices include the eye amoeba (Acanthamoeba keratitis) and the respiratory amoeba (Acanthamoeba pneumonia).
39. Building materials:
Amoeba can be found in building materials, particularly those that are damp or have poor ventilation. Examples of amoeba found in building materials include the soil amoeba (Acanthamoeba spp) and the freshwater amoeba (Vannella spp).
40. Caves:
Amoeba can be found in caves, particularly in the water and sediments of underground streams and pools. Examples of amoeba found in caves include the freshwater amoeba (Chaos carolinensis) and the thermophilic amoeba (Naegleria spp).
41. Tree bark:
Amoeba can be found on the bark of trees, particularly in the crevices and cracks. Examples of amoeba found on tree bark include the soil amoeba (Acanthamoeba spp) and the freshwater amoeba (Chaos carolinensis).
42. Corals:
Amoeba can be found in corals, particularly in the mucus and tissue of the coral polyps. Examples of amoeba found in corals include the marine amoeba (Chaos marina) and the coral amoeba (Vannella spp).
43. Bogs:
Amoeba can be found in bogs, which are wetlands that are acidic and low in nutrients. Examples of amoeba found in bogs include the soil amoeba (Acanthamoeba spp) and the freshwater amoeba (Chaos carolinensis).
44. Oceans:
Amoeba can be found in oceans, particularly in the planktonic and benthic environments. Examples of amoeba found in oceans include the marine amoeba (Chaos marina) and the thermophilic amoeba (Naegleria spp).
45. Soil from anthills:
Amoeba can be found in soil from anthills, particularly in the burrows and nests of ants. Examples of amoeba found in soil from anthills include the soil amoeba (Acanthamoeba spp) and the freshwater amoeba (Vannella spp).
46. Animal fur:
Amoeba can be found on animal fur, particularly in the hair and on the skin. Examples of amoeba found on animal fur include the soil amoeba (Acanthamoeba spp) and the freshwater amoeba (Chaos carolinensis).
47. Water treatment plants:
Amoeba can be found in water treatment plants, particularly in the filters and sedimentation tanks. Examples of amoeba found in water treatment plants include the freshwater amoeba (Acanthamoeba spp) and the marine amoeba (Chaos marina).
48. Ice:
Amoeba can be found in ice, particularly in the surface layers of frozen lakes and rivers. Examples of amoeba found in ice include the freshwater amoeba (Vermamoeba spp) and the marine amoeba (Chaos marina).
49. Plant roots:
Amoeba can be found in plant roots, particularly in the soil surrounding the roots. Examples of amoeba found in plant roots include the soil amoeba (Acanthamoeba spp) and the freshwater amoeba (Vermamoeba spp).
50. Compost:
Amoeba can be found in compost, which is organic matter that has been decomposed and recycled as fertilizer. Examples of amoeba found in compost include the soil amoeba (Acanthamoeba spp) and the freshwater amoeba (Hartmannella spp).
51. Bird droppings:
Amoeba can be found in bird droppings, particularly in the fecal matter of birds. Examples of amoeba found in bird droppings include the soil amoeba (Acanthamoeba spp) and the freshwater amoeba (Chaos carolinensis).
52. Human intestines:
Amoeba can be found in the human intestines, particularly in the large intestine. Examples of amoeba found in human intestines include the parasitic amoeba (Entamoeba histolytica) and the commensal amoeba (Endolimax nana).
53. Termites:
Amoeba can be found in the gut of termites, particularly in the hindgut where they aid in digestion. Examples of amoeba found in termites include the gut amoeba (Procryptobia sorokini) and the commensal amoeba (Endolimax nana).
54. Moss:
Amoeba can be found in moss, particularly in wet, shaded areas where moss grows. Examples of amoeba found in moss include the soil amoeba (Acanthamoeba spp) and the freshwater amoeba (Vannella spp).
55. Air:
Amoeba can be found in the air, particularly in dust and particulate matter. Examples of amoeba found in the air include the soil amoeba (Acanthamoeba spp) and the freshwater amoeba (Chaos carolinensis).
56. Wood chips:
Amoeba can be found in wood chips, particularly in decomposing wood material. Examples of amoeba found in wood chips include the soil amoeba (Acanthamoeba spp) and the freshwater amoeba (Chaos carolinensis).
57. Animal droppings:
Amoeba can be found in animal droppings, particularly in the fecal matter of mammals. Examples of amoeba found in animal droppings include the soil amoeba (Acanthamoeba spp) and the freshwater amoeba (Vannella spp).
58. Tidal pools:
Amoeba can be found in tidal pools, which are rocky pools of seawater that are left behind by receding tides. Examples of amoeba found in tidal pools include the marine amoeba (Vannella spp) and the freshwater amoeba (Hartmannella spp).
59. Deep-sea hydrothermal vents:
Amoeba can be found in deep-sea hydrothermal vents, which are areas on the ocean floor where hot water and minerals are released from the Earth’s crust. Examples of amoeba found in hydrothermal vents include the marine amoeba (Vampyrellidium spp) and the parasitic amoeba (Vahlkampfia spp).
60. Sponges:
Amoeba can be found in sponges, which are filter-feeding animals that live in aquatic environments. Examples of amoeba found in sponges include the marine amoeba (Vampyrellidium spp) and the freshwater amoeba (Hartmannella spp).
61. Soil:
Amoeba can be found in soil, which is the upper layer of Earth’s crust that supports plant growth. Examples of amoeba found in soil include the soil amoeba (Acanthamoeba spp) and the freshwater amoeba (Vermamoeba spp).
62. Intestinal tracts:
Amoeba can be found in the intestinal tracts of animals, including humans. Examples of amoeba found in intestinal tracts include the parasitic amoeba (Entamoeba histolytica) and the free-living amoeba (Naegleria fowleri).
63. Alpine soils:
Amoeba can be found in alpine soils, which are soils found at high altitudes in mountainous regions. Examples of amoeba found in alpine soils include the soil amoeba (Acanthamoeba spp) and the freshwater amoeba (Vermamoeba spp).
64. Bird baths:
Amoeba can be found in bird baths, which are small pools of water that are designed to attract birds. Examples of amoeba found in bird baths include the freshwater amoeba (Chaos carolinensis) and the parasitic amoeba (Entamoeba invadens).
65. Oysters:
Amoeba can be found in oysters, which are bivalve mollusks that are harvested for food. Examples of amoeba found in oysters include the marine amoeba (Vahlkampfia spp) and the freshwater amoeba (Hartmannella spp).
66. Marshes:
Amoeba can be found in marshes, which are wetland areas that are characterized by a low level of oxygen. Examples of amoeba found in marshes include the soil amoeba (Acanthamoeba spp) and the freshwater amoeba (Vermamoeba spp).
67. Rainwater:
Amoeba can be found in rainwater, which is precipitation that falls from the atmosphere. Examples of amoeba found in rainwater include the freshwater amoeba (Chaos carolinensis) and the parasitic amoeba (Entamoeba invadens).
68. Sewage:
Amoeba can be found in sewage, which is the waste material produced by humans and animals. Examples of amoeba found in sewage include the opportunistic pathogen amoeba (Acanthamoeba spp) and the freshwater amoeba (Vermamoeba spp).
69. Rice paddies:
Amoeba can be found in rice paddies, which are flooded fields that are used to cultivate rice. Examples of amoeba found in rice paddies include the soil amoeba (Acanthamoeba spp) and the freshwater amoeba (Hartmannella spp).
70. Geothermal pools:
Amoeba can be found in geothermal pools, which are natural pools of hot water that are heated by geothermal activity. Examples of amoeba found in geothermal pools include the thermophilic amoeba (Acanthamoeba spp) and the freshwater amoeba (Vermamoeba spp).
