Kingdom Protista

1. Kingdom Protista

2. Remember! • Animal-Like Protists (Protozoan) • Plant-Like Protists (Algae) • What about Fungi-Like Protists? • Like Fungi, they are important decomposers in our environment!

3. Fungus-Like Protists • Heterotrophs that absorb nutrients from dead or decaying matter • Secrete digestive enzymes & then suck up nutrients

4. Fungus-Like Protists • Slime Molds – grown on the forest floor

5. Fungus-Like Protists 2. Water Molds – thrive on decaying matter in water • Plant parasites on land Ever seen a dead fuzzy fish?

6. Would you say that protists are an important part of our environment? YES THEY ARE! • Protists play many roles in our environment! • Foods • Medicines • Illness • Decomposers • Base of many food chains

7. Roles of Protists • Illness in plants or animals Red Tide Plasmodium falciparum: this protist is the main cause of malaria. It cannot move or produce food on its own. Therefore, it is a parasite that lives off of its host.

8. Roles of Protists • Food – How many of you like Ben & Jerry’s? Carrageenan is a common ingredient in your ice cream! It comes from algae!

9. Roles of Protists • Important in the environment & in many food chains Kelp Forests provide shelter and food for many underwater creatures! Fun Fact! Protists are responsible for producing about ½ of the Earth’s oxygen!

10. How well do you know your protists? • First, sort the cards into the following categories: • Plant-Like (Algae) • Animal-Like (Protozoan) • Fungus-Like • Answer the questions using the protists on the cards!

11. Before you leave, answer the following question on a sheet of paper (share!):How would you classify this protist? This protist uses its flagella for movement, but is able to produce its own food. It does this because it contains green-colored chloroplasts which are used to carry out photosynthesis.