27. Protists

The buildup of CO₂ in the atmosphere resulting from the burning of fossil fuels is regarded as a major contributor to global warming. Diatoms and other microscopic algae in the oceans counter this buildup by using large quantities of atmospheric CO₂ in photosynthesis, which requires small quantities of iron. Experts suspect that a shortage of iron may limit algal growth in the oceans. Some scientists have suggested that one way to reduce CO₂ buildup might be to fertilize the oceans with iron. The iron would stimulate algal growth and thus the removal of more CO₂ from the air. A single supertanker of iron dust, spread over a wide enough area, might reduce the atmospheric CO₂ level significantly. Do you think this approach would be worth a try? Why or why not?

When placed at the perimeter of a maze with food in the center, the plasmodial slime mold Physarum polycephalum explores the maze, retracts branches from dead-end corridors, and then grows exclusively along the shortest path possible to the food.

How does Physarum do this?

One theory is that it leaves behind slime deposits—an externalized 'memory' that 'reminds' it not to retry dead ends. Researchers have proposed that slime molds could be used to help to plan the paths of future roadways and railways. Justify this statement.

Which group is correctly paired with its description?

A. diatoms—important consumers in aquatic communities

B. diplomonads—protists with modified mitochondria

C. apicomplexans—producers with intricate life cycles

D. red algae—acquired plastids by secondary endosymbiosis

Which of the following answer options lists the 4 supergroups of eukaroytes?

Using the phylogenetic tree below, which of the following groups is most closely related to animals?

How does the eukaryotic supergroup classification system differ from the traditional taxonomic hierarchy (Domain, Kingdom, Phylum, etc.)?

What is the biggest benefit to the eukaryotic supergroup framework?