Question 1

Which of the following best describes the ecological role of most protists classified as 'algae'?

Accepted Answer

They are photoautotrophs that use sunlight to produce organic molecules via photosynthesis.

Question 2

Which process is illustrated by a eukaryotic cell engulfing a cyanobacterium, leading to the origin of primary plastids?

Accepted Answer

Primary endosymbiosis

Question 3

A scientist discovers a unicellular organism with a feeding groove and flagella. Which supergroup does this organism most likely belong to?

Accepted Answer

Excavata

Question 4

Which of the following is a medically important protist that causes malaria?

Accepted Answer

Plasmodium

Question 5

Diatoms are important members of which supergroup, and what is a unique feature of their cell walls?

Accepted Answer

Stramenopila; glassy silicate cell walls

Question 6

Which of the following best explains why foraminifera are used as bioindicators in ocean acidification studies?

Accepted Answer

Their calcium carbonate shells are sensitive to changes in ocean pH.

Question 7

Which of the following statements about secondary plastids is correct?

Accepted Answer

They are derived from the engulfment of a eukaryotic alga by another eukaryote.

Question 8

A protist moves using short, hair-like structures that cover its surface. Which group does it most likely belong to?

Accepted Answer

Ciliates (Ciliophora)

Question 9

Which of the following is a correct sequence of evolutionary events leading to the origin of land plants?

Accepted Answer

Streptophyte algae → Kingdom Plantae

Question 10

Which of the following best describes the function of filose pseudopodia in Rhizaria?

Accepted Answer

They are used for capturing prey and movement.

Question 11

A marine biologist finds a protist with a covering of calcium carbonate discs called coccoliths. This organism is most likely a:

Accepted Answer

Coccolithophorid (Haptophyte)

Question 12

Which of the following is a real-world consequence of a red tide caused by dinoflagellates?

Accepted Answer

Massive fish kills due to toxin production

Question 13

Which of the following best explains why the term 'protist' does not have taxonomic or evolutionary meaning?

Accepted Answer

Protists are not a monophyletic group and include organisms from multiple evolutionary lineages.

Question 14

Which of the following equations best represents the process of photosynthesis in protists such as green algae?

Accepted Answer

$$6CO_2 + 6H_2O + light \, energy \rightarrow C_6H_{12}O_6$ + 6O_2$$

Question 15

Which protist is responsible for the late blight of potato, a disease that caused the Irish Potato Famine?

Accepted Answer

Phytophthora infestans

Question 16

Which of the following is a distinguishing feature of red algae (Rhodophyta)?

Accepted Answer

They possess distinctive photosynthetic pigments that give them a red color.

Question 17

Which of the following best describes the evolutionary significance of phagocytosis in protists?

Accepted Answer

It allowed for the origin of mitochondria and plastids via endosymbiosis.

Question 18

Which of the following is a correct statement about the diversity of green algae (Chlorophyta)?

Accepted Answer

They include unicellular, colonial, and multicellular forms.

Question 19

Which of the following best explains why some protists are important in the study of climate change?

Accepted Answer

Their fossilized shells record past ocean conditions, helping reconstruct climate history.

Question 20

Which of the following is a real-world application of using protists as bioindicators?

Accepted Answer

Monitoring changes in foram shell density to assess ocean acidification.

Chapter 28: An Introduction to Protists

Study Guide - Practice Questions