Michigan Test for Teacher Certification (MTTC) Secondary Integrated Science Practice test

Which of the following are examples of protists?

1. Amoeba and paramecium

2. Bacteria and Archaea

3. Fungi and plants

4. Viruses and bacteria

The correct answer is: Amoeba and paramecium

Amoeba and paramecium serve as classic examples of protists, which are a diverse group of eukaryotic microorganisms. Protists can be found in a variety of environments and can exhibit characteristics of both plants and animals. Amoebas are known for their flexible shape and ability to move using pseudopodia, allowing them to capture food through phagocytosis. Paramecia, on the other hand, are covered with cilia that aid in locomotion and feeding. Both organisms illustrate the diversity within the kingdom Protista, which encompasses various forms of life, including those that are unicellular and multicellular. The other choices reference organisms that belong to different biological classifications. Bacteria and archaea are prokaryotic organisms, not classified as protists. Fungi and plants represent distinct kingdoms separate from Protista. Similarly, viruses and bacteria also do not belong to the protist category, as viruses are acellular entities, and bacteria are prokaryotic. Thus, the selection of amoeba and paramecium accurately reflects protists within the context of the biological classification system.