Zoospore (Gr. Zoon—Animal, Spore—Seed)

A zoospore (from the Greek Zoon - animal and Spore - seed) is a motile asexual spore formed in many species of animals, including some representatives of freshwater and marine invertebrates, such as algae, sponges, mollusks and others.

A zoospore is a small ball, usually no more than 10 microns in size, equipped with flagella or cilia that help it move in the aquatic environment. It is formed through asexual reproduction and serves to distribute the genetic material of the species.

In animals that form zoospores, they perform various functions. For example, in some species of sponges, zoospores serve to spread genetic materials and form new colonies. In marine mollusks, zoospores are causative agents of diseases and infections that can lead to mass deaths of mollusks.

However, along with the negative aspects, zoospores are also important in the ecosystem. Some types of algae, for example, use zoospores to spread their species and ensure procreation. In addition, zoospores can serve as an important food source for other organisms such as fish and other marine animals.

In conclusion, we can say that zoospores are an important element in the biological system, which performs not only negative, but also positive functions. Thanks to their ability to move in an aquatic environment, they can effectively spread the genetic material of the species and serve as a source of food for other organisms.