Question

How do microscopic organisms differ from macroscopic organisms?

Answer 1

Hint: The major factor that distinguishes the microscopic organisms from the macroscopic organisms are their size.

Complete answer:

Microscopic Organisms	Macroscopic Organisms
All the organisms that cannot be seen through naked eyes are called microscopic organisms.	All the organisms that can be seen through naked eyes are called macroscopic organisms.
They need a microscope or magnifying instruments to be visible or seen.	They do not need a microscope or any instrument to be visible.
They are small in size and are measured in lower units of measurement like- micrometers or nanometers.	They have a larger size and are measured in higher units of measurement like- millimeters or centimeters.
The branch of biology that deals with their study is called Microbiology.	The branch of biology that deals with their study is called Macrobiology.
Microorganisms can be classified into five major groups- Viruses, Bacteria, Archaea, Fungi, and Protists.	Some protists and bacteria are larger and are placed in this category. They include organisms from Plantae and Animalia kingdom.
They often consist of a single cell and are thus mostly unicellular.	They can be unicellular as well as multicellular.
Due to their tiny size, they have a larger abundance.	Their abundance is lesser than the microorganisms.
Their multiplication or reproduction is a simple and fast process.	Their multiplication or reproduction in higher organisms is a slightly complex process and takes a significant amount of time.
These organisms are generally the base of many food webs and chains, especially in the marine environment.	While some organisms are the producers here, the other organisms can occupy the- highest levels of food webs or chains.
They help in maintaining the Earth’s atmosphere.	The activities of higher macroorganisms like humans can sometimes cause harm to the atmosphere.
Examples- Most protists, viruses, and bacteria like- amoeba, cyanobacteria, etc.	Examples- Slime molds, plants, ants, elephants, mushrooms, plasmodium, human beings, etc.

Note: The microorganisms show a significant relationship between them. They might be interdependent, or exhibit symbiosis, or have a parasitic relationship for various purposes like nutrition, reproduction, survival, etc.