Final answer:
Ciliates are a diverse group of protists characterized by the presence of cilia on their cell surface. They use cilia for locomotion and feeding, and have distinct features like micronucleus and macronucleus. Ciliates are part of the Chromalveolata supergroup and have ecological and medical importance.
Step-by-step explanation:
Ciliates are a group of protists within the Chromalveolata supergroup. They are characterized by the presence of cilia on their cell surface, which they use for locomotion and feeding. Some common examples of ciliates are Paramecium and Tetrahymena. Ciliates exhibit considerable structural complexity, such as the presence of a micronucleus and a macronucleus.
Ciliates have various features that distinguish them from other organisms. These include the presence of cilia, a micronucleus used for sexual reproduction, and a macronucleus that becomes polyploid. They also have diverse feeding mechanisms, such as Paramecium's oral groove for capturing and digesting bacteria.
Ciliates are part of the Chromalveolata supergroup, which also includes apicomplexans, diatoms, and dinoflagellates. They are important organisms in biology labs and play roles in both ecological and medical contexts.