Kingdom Protista
Protists are grouped according to whether they are animal-like, plant-like, or fungus-like.
Animal-like protists are called protozoans. They are unicellular and parasitic. Digestion in protozoans is intracellular. Circulation, respiration, and excretion are accomplished through diffusion. Most reproduce through binary fission (asexual) although some utilize conjugation (sexual).
Plant-like protists contain chlorophyll. They are both unicellular and multicellular (although multicellular forms have no organs or tissues).
- Members of Phylum Chlorophyta are the most modern and have chlorophyll a, b, and carotene.
- Members of Phylum Chrysophyta are unicellular, golden algae.
- Members of Phylum Phyrrophyta are unicelluar, fire algae with flagella.
- Members of Phylum Phaeophyta are multicellular, brown algae.
- Members of Phylum Rhodophyta are multicellular, red algae.
- Members of Phylum Euglenophyta live in freshwater.
Fungus-like protists are divided into three groups: mxyomycota ("plasmodial slime molds"), acrasiomycota ("cellular slime molds"), and oomycetes ("mildews and water molds"). Circulation, respiration, and excretion are all accomplished through diffusion. Reproduction can be asexual through fragmentation and the production of spores or sexual through conjugation and alternation of generations.
Biosphere logo and navigation buttons © 1999 Electric Rodent Web Design. All Rights Reserved. Advanced Placement Program is a registered trademark of the College Entrance Examination Board. AP is a trademark owned by the College Entrance Examination Board. No endorsement of any product is given.