Chapter 19, Problem 4A

Summary Introduction

Introduction :

Organisms belonging to the Kingdom Protista are eukaryotes. A eukaryotic organism or a eukaryotic cell is characterized by the presence of membrane-bound organelles and the presence of the 80S ribosome. Although these organisms are eukaryotes, they are not considered as fungi, plants, or animals as they follow a different mode of reproduction.

Answer to Problem 4A

Correct answer :

The correct answer is option (a) method of getting food.

Explanation of Solution

Explanation/justification for the correct answer :

Option (a) method of getting food. Protists are classified into three types; animal-like, fungi-like, and plant-like protists, based on the mode of nutrient intake. The animal-like protists are also known as protozoans, plant-like protists as algae, and fungi-like protists as molds. Protozoans are heterotrophic, algae are autotrophic and perform photosynthesis (mostly), and molds generally feed on dead and decaying matter. So, the correct answer is option (a).

Explanation for incorrect answer :

Option (b) method of movement. Movement or mobility is the process of how an organism moves from one to another location. Organisms follow different mode movement while others remain sessile and do not move at all. Many organisms may follow a similar mode of movement and yet possess many major differences. Thus, this criterion cannot be used to classify protists. So, this is an incorrect option.

Option (c) Type of reproduction. Reproduction is the process of the formation of new organisms from the existing ones. Majorly reproduction is of two types, sexual and asexual. The majority of protists follow the asexual mode of reproduction but yet possess many major differences. Thus, this criterion cannot be used to classify protists. So, this is an incorrect answer.

Option (d) type of respiration. Respiration is the process of breaking down complex substances to obtain energy. It is not a major mode of categorizing protists. So, this is an incorrect answer.