Biology STAAR (State of Texas Assessments of Academic Readiness) Practice Test

What characterizes slime molds within the protists?

1. They are animal-like protists

2. They are classified by their color

3. They possess jointed appendages

4. They are classified as fungus-like protists

The correct answer is: They are classified as fungus-like protists

Slime molds are characterized as fungus-like protists because they share several key traits with fungi. Unlike animal-like protists, slime molds do not have structures that resemble animals, nor do they exhibit behaviors typical of animals such as mobility. Instead, slime molds have a life cycle that includes both single-celled and multicellular stages and exhibit behaviors like decomposing organic matter, akin to fungi. They lack true cell walls but can form structures similar to those of fungi when they aggregate, often in response to environmental conditions. This classification reflects their ecological role and similarities in life cycles rather than strict morphological traits like color or appendage structure.