3 Basic groups of Protists  Fungus-like Slime molds, water molds  Plant-like Algae, phytoplankton  Animal-like Paramecium, amoeba

General Characteristics  Eukaryotic – all have a nucleus  Single celled mostly, some multicellular  Scientists agree that protists evolved into plants, animals and fungus

Fungus–like  Get food by decomposing organisms and absorbing the nutrients

Animal-like  Get food by consuming organisms through various structures  Use movement to get food

Plant-like  Use chlorophyll and photosynthesis

Seaweed – aka kelp

Diatoms  Glass-like shells  Used in silver polish toothpaste road paint

Dinoflagellates  Single-celled  Can cause red tides Poisonous chemicals

Green Algae  Mostly single-celled phytoplankton

Red Algae  Live at great depths in the ocean

Euglena  Plant-like and animal-like  Can do photosynthesis and consume food

Amoeba  Pseudopodia – false feet  Eats by endocytosis and pseudopodia

Paramecium  Cilia – little hairs used for movement and bringing food into the oral groove

Euglena  Flagella – tail for movement  Uses photosynthesis or can consume food when there is no sun

Spore-forming  Also known as sporozoans  Plasmodium vivax – causes malaria