Chapter 20, Problem 1STP

Summary Introduction

Introduction :

Autotrophic protists are like plants, utilize photosynthesis to produce food - they're considered as algae which involve red, brown, and green algae, as well as diatoms, euglena and dinoflagellates. Some algae have complex life-cycles. It is thought that plant life has developed from green algae.

Answer to Problem 1STP

Correct answer :

The correct answer is option (A) Algae.

Explanation of Solution

Explanation/justification for the correct answer :

Option (A) Algae. Algae are the largest group of autotrophic protists. Algae have organized specific structures, found in aquatic environment, and photosynthetic in nature. So, the correct answer is option (A).

Explanation for incorrect answer :

Option (B) Protozoans. Protozoa are single-celled eukaryotes without cell wall and heterotrophic in nature. So, this is an incorrect option.

Option (C) Slime molds. Slime molds are a type of protists that form colonies and ingest bacteria, fungal spores, and other protists. So, this is an incorrect answer.

Option (D) Water molds. Water molds are a group of filamentous protists that physically resemble fungi and they are heterotrophic in nature. So, this is an incorrect answer.