Flagellates are a diverse group of single-celled organisms that belong to the kingdom Protista. They are characterized by their whip-like structures called flagella, which they use for movement. Flagellates can be found in various environments, including freshwater, saltwater, and soil, and they play important roles in ecosystems as both predators and prey. Many flagellates are free-living, while others are parasitic, causing diseases in humans and animals. For example, Trypanosoma is a flagellate responsible for African sleeping sickness. These organisms can reproduce asexually, often through binary fission, allowing them to multiply rapidly under favorable conditions.