A taxonomic kingdom that includes algae, protozoa, slime molds, and water molds. Members of kingdom protista are aerobic and may be unicellular, multicellular, or colony forming. Additionally, protista require a water-based environment to survive. All protista are true eukaryotes with a nuclear membrane and mitochondria. Some protista also contain chloroplasts and can perform photosynthesis. Protists reproduce by mitosis or meiosis.

Single celled eukaryotic organisms having plant, animal, or fungal characteristics; have highly developed cell organelles; freeliving; heterotrophic, autotrophic, and saprophytic; terrestrial or aquatic.