1. Apicomplexa
By Nail and Cooner

2. Kingdom: Chromalveolata Superphylum: Alveolata Phylum: Apicomplexa
Domain: Eukaryota
   Kingdom: Chromalveolata    Superphylum: Alveolata    Phylum: Apicomplexa

3. Characteristics Unicellular Spore Forming Only parasites to Animals
        (Causes Malaria, Babesiosis, Taxoplasmosis)
Possesses a unique system of organelles called the Apical
       complex. Includes a special organelle called an apicoplast 
         which helps penetrate a host cell.
Most move with a gliding motion, while some do have flagella.
        - None have cilia 
Lives in the intestines of its host. 
Elongated, serpentine shape; usually rod or oval shaped.

4. Characteristics cont. Both sexual and asexual reproduction.
Must be in host cell to grow and replicate.
Complex Life Cycle:
Reproduction begins when a sporozoite enters the host cell.
The sporozoite divides to form  Merozoits.
Merozoits transform into gamonts, which  are sexually reproductive cells.
Gamonts combine to form a  Gamontocyst, then divide to form gametes. 
Pairs of gametes fuse to create zygotes, which create sporozoites through meoisis, repeating the cycle.
        
               
                      
 1-zygote,  2-sporozoites, 3-merozoites, 4-gamontocytes.