Question

What are plant-like protists collectively called?
(a) Protozoans
(b) Algae
(c) Fungi
(d) Pseudopodia

Answer 1

Hint: The organisms which are collectively called plant- like protists can exist in a unicellular form such as chlorella or multicellular form such as giant kelp. The largest and most complex marine forms of these organisms are called seaweeds.

Complete step by step answer:
Plant-like protists are collectively called algae.
Let's begin the explanation by learning more about the characteristics of algae. Algae are a large group of organisms that include diverse life forms. They show an autotrophic mode of nutrition. Thus, they produce their food through the process of photosynthesis during which they make use of carbon dioxide, sunlight, and water to produce sugar, just like plants. However, unlike plants, plant- like protists don't possess true stems, roots, or leaves.
- Most algae live in oceans, ponds, or lakes.
- Protists can be unicellular or multicellular.
- Multicellular forms of protists such as kelp can grow as large as trees and form a ‘forest’ in the ocean.
- Algae are essential to the ecosystem as they are the base of the marine food chain and they also produce oxygen through photosynthesis.
- ’Protozoans’ are a group of single- celled eukaryotes that can be either free- living or parasites.
So, the correct answer is, ‘Algae.’

Note:
- Animal-like protists are commonly called protozoa. They feed on organic matter such as microorganisms, debris, and other organic tissues.
- Fungi is a different kingdom altogether apart from the kingdom Plantae and Animalia.
- A ‘pseudopodium’ is a temporary arm like a projection of a cell membrane. It is developed in the direction of movement and can be seen in a eukaryotic cell.