(protozoan class Phytomastigophora in many traditional classifications), flagellate protozoans that have many characteristics in common with typical algae. Some contain the pigment chlorophyll and various accessory pigments and have a photosynthetic type of nutrition, although many organisms included in this group exhibit heterotrophy or myotrophy. Some species without chlorophyll are similar in form to related chlorophyll-bearing species. Phytoflagellates may obtain nutrients by photosynthesis, by absorption through the body surface, or by ingestion of food particles. For some of the more important members of this group, see Euglena; Chlamydomonas; chloromonad; dinoflagellate; cryptomonad; and chrysomonad.