Ciliophora is a phylum of single-celled organisms known as ciliates, characterized by the presence of hair-like structures called cilia. These cilia are used for movement and feeding, allowing ciliates to navigate their aquatic environments and capture food particles. Ciliates can be found in various habitats, including freshwater, marine, and soil ecosystems. Ciliophora includes diverse species, such as Paramecium and Tetrahymena, which exhibit complex behaviors and structures. They possess a unique feature called a macronucleus for everyday functions and one or more micronuclei for reproduction. Ciliates play essential roles in nutrient cycling and serve as food for larger organisms in their ecosystems.