2.4.2: Heterotrophic "Protists"

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Page ID: 31924

Melissa Ha, Maria Morrow, & Kammy Algiers
Yuba College, College of the Redwoods, & Ventura College via ASCCC Open Educational Resources Initiative

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Heterotrophic organisms must consume organic matter to obtain energy. Under the umbrella of protists, there are several heterotrophic groups. Some of these are closely related to photosynthetic lineages of protists that have obtained chloroplasts via endosymbiotic events, such as Oomycota and Phaeophyta. However, due to the relationship between nutritional strategies and ecological roles, it often makes more sense to discuss these lineages in groups of heterotrophs and autotrophs, rather than evolutionary relatedness.

This chapter will introduce slime molds and oomycetes, as these are groups commonly discussed in botany courses. However, it is important to note that there is a vast diversity of heterotrophic protist lineages not covered here with important and fascinating ecological roles.

Attribution

Content by Maria Morrow, CC BY-NC