 |
|
| A B C D E F G H I J K L M N O P Q R S T U V W X Y Z |
|
|
protists
Relatively simple, unicellular eukaryotic organisms that are distinct from animals, plants, and fungi yet similar enough that protists are believed to have paved the way for the evolution of early plants, animals, and fungi.
Protists, of which about 200,000 species have been named, form their own kingdom, Protista. They fall into three major categories (or four if the slime molds and water molds are counted separately):
- Animal-like protists called protozoa
- Planet-like protists called algae
- Fungi-like protists called slime molds and water molds
Animal-like protists
These are the protozoa and include the following phyla:
- Ciliophora (cilia bearing protists), e.g. paramecium
- Sporozoa, e.g. plasmodia
- Sarcodina (protists with false feet), e.g. amoeba
Plant-like protists
These include the single-celled and colonial algae.
Fungi-like protists
These include the slime molds (plasmodial and cellular varieties) and the water molds.
Related category
• MICROBIOLOGY
Also on this site:
Encyclopedia of Alternative Energy & Sustainable Living
Encyclopedia of History
Transport Concepts & Designs (partner site)