NEET BIOLOGY

Detailed explanation-1: -Animal-like protists are commonly called protozoa (singular, protozoan). Most protozoa consist of a single cell. They are animal-like because they are heterotrophs, and are capable of moving. Although protozoa are not animals, they are thought to be the ancestors of animals.

Detailed explanation-2: -The term protozoan comes from the Greek words protos, meaning “first, ” and zoion, meaning “animal.” Protozoans make up a variety of groups of organisms within the kingdom Protista, though these groups do not necessarily share a common evolutionary history.

Detailed explanation-3: -Protozoa are microscopic unicellular eukaryotes that have a relatively complex internal structure and carry out complex metabolic activities. Some protozoa have structures for propulsion or other types of movement.

Detailed explanation-4: -Historically, protozoans were regarded as “one-celled animals", because they often possess animal-like behaviours, such as motility and predation, and lack a cell wall, as found in plants and many algae.

Detailed explanation-5: -Animals like protists are often called protozoans. They include amoeba and paramecium.