An amoeba is a tiny, single-celled organism that can be found in water, soil, and even inside other living things. It has a soft, jelly-like body and can change shape by extending parts of itself called pseudopodia, or "false feet." This ability helps the amoeba move around and capture food, such as bacteria and other small particles. Amoebas are part of a larger group called protozoa, which are simple, microscopic creatures. They play an important role in the ecosystem by breaking down organic material and recycling nutrients. Some amoebas can cause diseases in humans, like amoebic dysentery, but most are harmless and contribute to the balance of nature.