Chapter 20, Problem 12STP

Summary Introduction

To write:The characteristics used to classify protists into three groups.

Introduction:The protist kingdom is equivalent to a cabinet or closet where you store odds and ends that don't appear to match anywhere else. The Protista kingdom is comprised of three classes of species which do not fall into any other kingdom.

Explanation of Solution

Members of the protista Kingdom are called protists. Protists are eukaryotic, unicellular, marine, or multicellular organisms. Protists do not have organs, as opposed to plants or animals. While protists do not generally resemble one another, they do not fit into any other kingdom. They are split into three large categories.The protists in the way of plants are called algae. All algae, including kelp, are autotrophs undergoing photosynthesis. Protists similar to animals are called protozoans. Protozoans are heterotrophs, for example amoebas. Fungus-like protists are slime molds with mildews, which constitute the third protist group.

Conclusion

Protists are classified as plant-like, animal-like and fungus-like.