Lecture 10: Protists

These flashcards cover key concepts and definitions related to the diversity, roles, and characteristics of protists as discussed in the lecture.

What are protists?

Protists are single-celled eukaryotic organisms that are not plants, animals, or fungi.

Define endosymbiosis.

Endosymbiosis is a relationship between two species where one organism lives inside the cells of another organism.

What is a defining feature of excavates?

Excavates have a unique structure called an excavated feeding groove.

What type of reproduction is observed in some protists?

Protists can reproduce asexually or have both asexual and sexual phases in their life cycle.

Name the four main groups of Protista.

The four main groups are excavates, SAR, algae, and unikonts.

What nutritional strategies do protists exhibit?

Protists can be photoautotrophs, heterotrophs, or mixotrophs.

What are diatoms and why are they important?

Diatoms are unicellular algae with a silica cell wall, and they play a significant role in global CO2 levels and marine ecosystems.

What major role do protists play in ecosystems?

Protists serve as both symbionts and photosynthesizers, being key players in aquatic and moist terrestrial environments.

What is the significance of dinoflagellates to coral reefs?

Dinoflagellates nourish reef-building corals through a symbiotic relationship.

What ecological effect can occur when nutrient levels increase in marine environments?

When nutrients increase, it can lead to population explosions of photosynthetic protists, contributing to marine 'dead zones'.

Fill in the blank: The phase change from gas to liquid during the water cycle is called ****__.

condensation

Fill in the blank: Water vapor rises and cools in the atmosphere, leading to the formation of ****__ in the water cycle.

clouds

Fill in the blank: Water from lakes and oceans can return to the atmosphere through a process known as ****\