Protistic interactions among microscopic algae and protozoa shape the base of many freshwater food chains.

Protists in the pond perform important roles in the ecosystem by recycling nutrients and serving as food for small invertebrates.

The marine biologist carefully examined a protist collected from the tide pool, comparing its features to those of single-celled eukaryotes, prokaryotes, and sponges.

Researchers observed protistal behaviors in the pond sample under high magnification.