Protista (Noun)
Meaning
Eukaryotic one-celled living organisms distinct from multicellular plants and animals: protozoa, slime molds, and eukaryotic algae.
Classification
Nouns denoting animals.
Examples
- The protista kingdom is a diverse group of eukaryotic organisms that do not fit into the traditional categories of plants, animals, or fungi.
- Some protista are autotrophic, producing their own food through photosynthesis, while others are heterotrophic, obtaining nutrients by consuming other organisms.
- The protista are thought to have evolved from a common ancestor with other eukaryotes, but their exact relationships to other organisms are still not well understood.
- Many protista are single-celled, but some, such as the slime molds, can form complex multicellular structures under certain conditions.
- The study of protista is important for understanding the evolution of life on Earth, as these organisms represent a key transitional stage between simple and complex life forms.