The chlorocytus split from its ancestor and now live an immobile life on the lake and river bottom. It's flagella have evolved into root-like structures to give it a better grip in the mud. It still photosynthesizes and therefore only grows in the shallower parts of the water. It lost its eye-spot because, being immobile, it didn't have a use anymore.
Right before reproduction, its roots die off. The chlorocytus is now free from the ground and can be carried a short way by the current. Meanwhile, the cell splits and each grows their own, new flagella to attach itself to the ground. This technique has caused it to spread over a large region relatively quickly.
Living Relatives (click to show/hide)
These are randomly selected, and organized from lowest to highest shared taxon. (This may correspond to similarity more than actual relation)
