Evolution and Diversity of Eukaryotes

This set of flashcards covers key terms and concepts related to the evolution and diversity of eukaryotes, including protists and their significance in ecological communities.

Eukaryote

An organism with cells characterized by membrane-bound nuclei and other organelles.

Protists

A diverse group of unicellular and multicellular eukaryotic organisms.

Endosymbiosis

A process by which one organism lives inside another, leading to the evolution of organelles like mitochondria and chloroplasts.

Multicellularity

The state of being composed of multiple cells that adhere and communicate with each other.

Convergent evolution

The process by which unrelated organisms develop similar traits or adaptations.

Excavata

A monophyletic supergroup of protists characterized by a unique cytoskeleton.

Alveolates

A clade within the SAR group, characterized by the presence of alveoli (membrane-bound sacs beneath the plasma membrane).

Stramenopiles

A diverse group within the SAR clade, including those with hairy flagella and important photosynthetic members like diatoms and brown algae.

Archaeplastida

A supergroup that includes red algae, green algae, and land plants, characterized by the presence of plastids.

Unikonta

A supergroup that includes animals, fungi, and some protists, further divided into amoebozoans and opisthokonts.

Photosynthetic protists

Eukaryotic organisms that perform photosynthesis, playing a crucial role in global photosynthesis and aquatic ecosystems.

Plasmodium

A genus of parasitic protozoa that causes malaria in humans.

SAR clade

A major supergroup of protists that includes Stramenopiles, Alveolates, and Rhizarians. Many members are photosynthetic and it represents a highly diverse eukaryotic lineage.