Slime molds are very similar to the fungi, and they were thought to be fungi for a long time. However, they are not evolutionarily related to fungi. Thus, they are called fungus-like protists.
Slime molds,water molds,and downy mildews
Both slime molds and ciliates belong to the protists group. Ciliates are single-celled and slime molds have a complex life cycle during the course of which they go through unicellular, multicellular, funguslike (form spores) and protozoanlike (amoeboid) stages.
These protists share many characteristivd with Fungi. However, because of their differences from Fungi they are classified as protists. Funguslike protists play a valuable role in the ecosystem. They break down dead plant and animal matter, making the nutrients from these dead orgainsms available for living organisms. While some slime molds and water molds are benefical, many others can be very harmful. Many fuguslike protsts attack and consume living plants.
plasmodial slime molds.
slime molds
Slime molds are unique among protists because they display characteristics of both fungi and animals. Unlike typical protists, slime molds can exist as single cells or form multicellular structures, resembling a fungus during certain stages of their life cycle. Additionally, slime molds exhibit complex behaviors such as forming intricate patterns and making group decisions, which are uncommon in other protists.
Slime molds are classified as fungi-like protists because they share some characteristics with both fungi and protists. They were previously classified as fungi due to their similar appearance and habitat preferences. However, genetic and molecular studies have shown that slime molds are more closely related to protists than fungi.
Slime molds are very similar to the fungi, and they were thought to be fungi for a long time. However, they are not evolutionarily related to fungi. Thus, they are called fungus-like protists.
These protists share many characteristivd with Fungi. However, because of their differences from Fungi they are classified as protists. Funguslike protists play a valuable role in the ecosystem. They break down dead plant and animal matter, making the nutrients from these dead orgainsms available for living organisms. While some slime molds and water molds are benefical, many others can be very harmful. Many fuguslike protsts attack and consume living plants.
Most protists are unicellular. Protists such as algae and slime molds can be either multicellular or unicellular.
Slime molds are very similar to the fungi, and they were thought to be fungi for a long time. However, they are not evolutionarily related to fungi. Thus, they are called fungus-like protists.
Slime Molds : NovaNet