Microscopic Life: Protists

The video explores the diverse group of organisms known as protists, highlighting their unique characteristics and differences from bacteria. Protists can be plant-like, animal-like, or fungus-like. Plant-like protists, such as phytoplankton, are crucial for oxygen production and serve as food for marine life. Animal-like protists, like amoebas, are mobile and consume other organisms for energy. Fungus-like protists, including water molds, can be both destructive and beneficial, with uses in food and medicine production.

What is a key difference between protists and bacteria?

• Protists are larger than bacteria.

• Protists can only be found in water, bacteria cannot.

• Protists are always multicellular, bacteria are not.

• Protists have a nucleus, bacteria do not.

Which of the following is true about phytoplankton?

• They are animal-like protists.

• They are responsible for the Irish potato famine.

• They produce oxygen and serve as food for many animals.

• They are used to make bread.

How do animal-like protists such as amoebas obtain their food?

• By absorbing nutrients from the air.

• By engulfing food.

• By producing their own food.

• By photosynthesis.

What was the role of a fungus-like protist in the Irish potato famine?

• It destroyed the potato crop.

• It was used to make bread.

• It provided nutrients to the soil.

• It helped increase potato production.

Which of the following is a beneficial use of fungus-like protists?

• They are used to make antibiotics.

• They are used to create harmful bacteria.

• They are used to destroy crops.

• They are used to increase air pollution.