Question

Give 4 examples of protists that exemplify the diversity of form and function in this group of organisms. Tell the name of the protist, its unique cellular structure, and its functional role in the ecosystem (i.e. where it lives, what/how it eats, etc.)

Answer 1

Protists are a diverse collection of organisms. They are primarily microscopic and unicellullara,h the cells are highly organized alongwith a nucleus and specialized cellular machinery called organelles.

The examples of Protists are as as follows:-

• Protozoa - Animal-like single celled protists are commonly called protozoa. Protozoa generally feed by engulfing and digesting other organisms. As consumers, they have various roles in food chains and webs. Protozoa play an important role in mineralizing nutrients, making them available for use by plants and other soil organisms. Another role that protozoa play is in regulating bacteria populations.
• Slime moulds - Slime moulds are protists commonly found on rotting logs and compost. They move very slowly in search of decaying matter to eat.They contribute to the decomposition of dead vegetation, and feed on bacteria, yeasts, and fungi. For this reason, slime moulds are usually found in soil, lawns, and on the forest floor, commonly on deciduous logs.
• Crysophytes - The group includes diatoms and golden algae. They're found in freshwater as well as in marine environments. They're microscopic and float passively in water currents. Chrysophytes can beube used toothpaste, scouring products, and filters. As autotrophs, they provide a substantial amount of the oxygen in the atmosphere, as well.
• Euglenoids - Majority of them are freshwater organisms found in stagnant water. Instead of a cell wall,they have a protein rich layer called pellicle which makes their body flexible. Euglena cells contain chloroplasts that allow them to create food through photosynthesis, but they can also take in nutrients from other organisms when light is not available. Euglena are a unique group of single-cell organisms that have some of the same functions as both plants and animals.