Translations:AY Honors/Marine Algae/Answer Key/20/en

Volvox aureus Volvox aureus

Volvox aureus (Volvox aureus)

Where found: Volvox is found in ponds and ditches, and even in shallow puddles. The most favorable place to look for it is in the deeper ponds, lagoons, and ditches which receive an abundance of rain water. It has been said that where you find Lemna, you are likely to find Volvox; and it is true that such water is favorable, but the shading is unfavorable.

Description: Volvox is one of the best-known chlorophytes and is the most developed in a series of genera that form spherical colonies. Each Volvox is composed of numerous flagellate cells similar to Chlamydomonas, on the order of 1000-3000 in total, interconnected and arranged in a glucoprotein filled sphere (coenobium). The cells swim in a coordinated fashion, with a distinct anterior and posterior - or since Volvox resembles a little planet, a 'north and south' pole. The cells have eyespots, more developed near the anterior, which enables the colony to swim towards light.