Protists are a diverse group of eukaryotes that are primarily single-celled and microscopic and exhibit a wide variety of shapes and life strategies.

protist, any member of a group of diverse eukaryotic, predominantly unicellular microscopic organisms. They may share certain morphological and physiological characteristics with animals or plants or both.

Aug 5, 2025 · Protists include anything from single-celled algae to parasitic protozoa, from slimy molds creeping across decaying logs to golden-brown diatoms floating in the ocean.

Feb 2, 2023 · Protists are the oldest eukaryotic microorganisms, having a nucleus and other membrane-bound organelles. Since they do not wholly fit into other groups like plants, animals, bacteria, or …

Nov 25, 2025 · Many different naming schemes were used over the last couple of centuries, but it has become the most common practice to refer to eukaryotes that are not land plants, animals, or fungi …

The first is a phylogeny-based definition; that protists are all eukaryotes that are not animals, fungi, or land plants (Embryophyta). The second concept includes various definitions based on biological …

Because the name “protist” serves as a catchall term for eukaryotic organisms that are not animal, plant, or fungi, it is not surprising that very few characteristics are common to all protists. On the other …

Eukaryotic organisms that did not fit the criteria for the kingdoms Animalia, Fungi, or Plantae historically were called protists and were classified into the kingdom Protista.

May 1, 2025 · Protists are eukaryotic organisms that can be unicellular or multicellular, and they live in moist environments. Protists can acquire nutrition through photosynthesis, absorbing nutrients, or …

Aug 25, 2023 · Definition: any of a group of eukaryotic organisms belonging to the Kingdom Protista. What is a protist? All protists are eukaryotes, i.e. organisms with a nucleus. However, they are …