Aquatic Microbes

(2018) - 41 min

Underneath the surface of a freshwater pond, these single-celled ciliates and microscopic animals graze on reefs of photosynthesizing bacteria & algae. Explore a shimmering underwater world smaller than the unaided eye can see. This microenvironment is home to single-celled euplotes, coleps, and paramecia, as well as 1000-cell animals called rotifers. Video produced in collaboration with Jared Leadbetter, Professor of Environmental Microbiology at the California Institute of Technology. Professor Leadbetter researches the morphology, chemistry, and behavior of microorganisms in their environment.