Protists

Protists are a diverse group of microscopic organisms that belong to the kingdom Protista. They are primarily single-celled, though some can form simple multicellular structures. Protists can be found in various environments, including freshwater, saltwater, and soil. They display a range of characteristics, behaving like animals (protozoa), plants (algae), or fungi (slime molds). Protists are essential for ecosystems, serving as primary producers or as part of the food chain. They also play important roles in nutrient cycling and can be involved in diseases, making them significant in both ecological and medical contexts.