title: The behaviour of unicellular eukaryotes.
abstract: The field of ciliated protozoa behaviour is reconsidered. The simple-complexity of their behaviour is seen in its basic nature and adaptive meaning. The Laboratory Conditions (LABCON) are discussed in comparison with those occurring in nature (NATCON). The nature of the arc, the behavioural element commonly performed by a ciliate, is discussed in detail. Several indexes and rates can perfectly describe the tracks of the ciliates. The behaviour can be considered as a kind of adaptive interface between the environment and the organism.
authors.affiliation: Università di Pisa, Centro Interdisciplinare per lo Studio dei Sistemi Complessi (CISSC), Via Bonanno Pisano, 56126 Pisa.
authors.forename: Rosalba
authors.initials: R
authors.lastname: Banchetti
authors.forename: Fabrizio
authors.initials: F
authors.lastname: Erra
mesh_terms: D000222:Adaptation, Physiological; D000818:Animals; D001522:Behavior, Animal; D016798:Ciliophora / Q000502:physiology; D056890:Eukaryota / Q000502:physiology*; D008124:Locomotion; D012212:Rheology; D013550:Swimming