Pronunciation: [ɐmˈiːbəz] (IPA) 
The correct spelling of the plural form of amoeba is "amoebas" (əˈmiːbəz), not "amoebae" as some might think. The word is spelled this way because it follows the common English pluralization pattern for words ending in -a. The -s at the end of the word indicates that there are multiple amoeba. Amoebas are single-celled organisms that are known for their ability to change shape and move around using their pseudopodia.
Amoebas, also known as amebas or amoebae, are a diverse group of single-celled organisms belonging to the phylum Amoebozoa. They are classified under the informal category of Protozoa, as they are eukaryotic microorganisms, typically characterized by their ability to change shape through the extension and retraction of pseudopodia (false feet).
Amoebas exhibit a wide range of sizes, with some species reaching up to a few millimeters in length, while others are microscopic. They are found in various aquatic environments worldwide, including freshwater, saltwater, and even moist soil. Many amoebas are free-living, dwelling and feeding on organic matter such as bacteria, algae, and other microscopic organisms. However, some species are parasitic, infecting humans, animals, and plants, causing diseases such as amoebic dysentery.
Due to their simplicity and lack of specialized structures, amoebas rely on a primitive form of internal cell organization. They possess a nucleus, which contains their genetic material, and can have one or more contractile vacuoles responsible for maintaining water balance within the cell. Amoebas reproduce asexually through a process called binary fission, in which the parent cell divides into two identical daughter cells.
Amoebas have existed for millions of years and are considered one of the earliest life forms on Earth. They play crucial roles in various ecosystems as decomposers, helping to break down and recycle organic matter back into the environment. Some amoebas are also used in scientific research as model organisms to study various cellular processes and evolutionary developments.
The word "amoebas" is derived from the Greek word "amoibē", which means "change" or "alternation". This term reflects the constantly changing form and shape of amoebas, which are single-celled organisms belonging to the phylum Amoebozoa. Over time, "amoebas" became the commonly used English plural form of "amoeba".
