How do cilia help a paramecium survive in a freshwater environment? ◇ Cilia help the paramecium move so it can locate food. ◇ Cilia allow the paramecium to absorb gases through its plasma membrane. ◇ Cilia help the paramecium remove excess water from the cell to maintain homeostasis. ◇ Cilia allow the paramecium to sense sunlight and move toward the sunlight to find food.