Who described the algae Spirogyra in 1674 and named the motile organisms Animalcules, meaning ‘little animals’?
Show answer & explanation
Correct answer: B
Explanation
The correct answer is option 2 i.e. Anton Van Leeuwenhoek.
In 1674, Antonie van Leeuwenhoek, a Dutch microscopist, first described the algae Spirogyra and observed motile microorganisms, which he named "Animalcules," meaning "little animals." Using his self-made microscopes, he discovered a variety of microscopic life forms in water samples, including bacteria, protozoa, and algae. His observations marked a groundbreaking advancement in microbiology and the study of the microscopic world. Leeuwenhoek’s meticulous records and drawings laid the foundation for future research in microbiology, earning him recognition as the “Father of Microbiology.”