Questions and Answers
What distinguishes protists from other eukaryotes like fungi, animals, and plants?
Which of the following statements about Giardia lamblia is true?
What contribution do some protists, like algae, make to ecosystems?
How many protist species are estimated to exist, according to the information provided?
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Which of the following correctly describes the kingdom Protista?
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Who first used the term 'protista' and in what year?
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What is one of the main factors leading to the classification of protists into different groups?
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Which type of organism is NOT included in the kingdom Protista?
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Which statement is accurate about the diversity of protists?
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What type of environment do protists typically inhabit?
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Giardia lamblia is classified as a prokaryote.
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All protists are multicellular organisms.
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The kingdom Protista includes organisms that are primarily fungi.
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Photosynthetic protists play a crucial role as primary producers in ecosystems.
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There are thought to be between 60,000 and 200,000 species of protists.
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Protists have highly specialized tissues and organs like those found in higher eukaryotes.
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The term 'protista' was first used in the 20th century.
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All members of the kingdom Protista share a complex organization.
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The classification of protists has been based on scientific characteristics since its inception.
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Giardia lamblia is a human parasite known for causing diseases.
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Study Notes
Prokaryotes vs. Eukaryotes
- Organism in question is larger than prokaryotic cells and possesses a nucleus.
- Belongs to domain Eukarya, which includes humans.
- Notable eukaryote: Giardia lamblia, a human parasite causing illness.
Kingdom Protista
- Protists comprise eukaryotes that are neither fungi, animals, nor plants.
- Highly diverse group with a wide range of organisms.
- Lack highly specialized tissues or organs despite some being multicellular.
Characteristics of Protists
- Size varies from tiny unicellular forms like amoebas to large multicellular forms like seaweed.
- Estimated species range between 60,000 and 200,000, many still unidentified.
- Exist in diverse habitats, predominantly in environments with liquid water.
- Some are photosynthetic, contributing as primary producers in ecosystems, while others cause serious diseases (e.g., malaria, sleeping sickness).
Historical Context
- Term "protista" was first introduced by Ernst Haeckel in 1866.
- Initial classifications based on superficial similarities to animals, plants, or fungi.
- Traditional groups: protozoa (animal-like), protophyta (plant-like, mostly algae), and slime/water molds (fungus-like).
- Modern classifications rely on phylogenetics, reflecting the evolutionary relationships among organisms.
Summary of Protista
- Kingdom Protista is characterized by its inclusion of all eukaryotes not classified as animals, plants, or fungi.
- Represents a varied array of single-celled and multicellular life forms.
Prokaryotes vs. Eukaryotes
- Organism in question is larger than prokaryotic cells and possesses a nucleus.
- Belongs to domain Eukarya, which includes humans.
- Notable eukaryote: Giardia lamblia, a human parasite causing illness.
Kingdom Protista
- Protists comprise eukaryotes that are neither fungi, animals, nor plants.
- Highly diverse group with a wide range of organisms.
- Lack highly specialized tissues or organs despite some being multicellular.
Characteristics of Protists
- Size varies from tiny unicellular forms like amoebas to large multicellular forms like seaweed.
- Estimated species range between 60,000 and 200,000, many still unidentified.
- Exist in diverse habitats, predominantly in environments with liquid water.
- Some are photosynthetic, contributing as primary producers in ecosystems, while others cause serious diseases (e.g., malaria, sleeping sickness).
Historical Context
- Term "protista" was first introduced by Ernst Haeckel in 1866.
- Initial classifications based on superficial similarities to animals, plants, or fungi.
- Traditional groups: protozoa (animal-like), protophyta (plant-like, mostly algae), and slime/water molds (fungus-like).
- Modern classifications rely on phylogenetics, reflecting the evolutionary relationships among organisms.
Summary of Protista
- Kingdom Protista is characterized by its inclusion of all eukaryotes not classified as animals, plants, or fungi.
- Represents a varied array of single-celled and multicellular life forms.
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Description
This quiz delves into the characteristics of Protists, focusing on the organism Giardia lamblia. Known as a human parasite, this single-celled eukaryote is notable for its flagella and nucleus. Explore the differences between prokaryotes and eukaryotes while learning about this fascinating group of organisms.
