Which of the following statements regarding protists is FALSE? Most protozoa reproduce asexually. Protozoa are unicellular eukaryotes. Majority of protozoa are not related to each other, thus they form Supergroum Protozoa are common in water and soil. Nearly all protozoa cause disease
The Correct Answer and Explanation is:
Correct Answer: Nearly all protozoa cause disease — This statement is FALSE.
Explanation:
Protozoa are a diverse group of unicellular eukaryotic organisms, traditionally classified under the kingdom Protista. Although classification has evolved with molecular biology, many still refer to the term protozoa to describe animal-like protists that are motile and heterotrophic.
Reproduction:
Most protozoa reproduce asexually, usually through binary fission, where one cell divides into two identical cells. Some species can also reproduce sexually under certain conditions, but asexual reproduction remains the dominant mode for the majority.
Cell Structure:
Protozoa are unicellular eukaryotes, meaning their cells have a defined nucleus enclosed in a membrane, along with other membrane-bound organelles such as mitochondria. This differentiates them from prokaryotes like bacteria.
Habitat:
Protozoa are common in water and soil. They can be found in a variety of environments including freshwater ponds, marine environments, and moist soils. Some species are free-living, while others form symbiotic or parasitic relationships with other organisms.
Taxonomy:
Molecular studies have shown that protozoa are not all closely related. As a result, the term “protozoa” is more of a functional grouping than a true taxonomic category. They are now spread across multiple supergroups within the domain Eukarya. Therefore, the idea of a single group called “Protozoa” is outdated in modern taxonomy.
Disease:
While some protozoa cause diseases in humans and animals — such as Plasmodium (malaria), Entamoeba histolytica (amoebic dysentery), and Trypanosoma (sleeping sickness) — the majority do not cause disease. Most protozoa play important ecological roles, such as decomposing organic material or serving as food for other organisms in aquatic ecosystems.
Thus, the statement “Nearly all protozoa cause disease” is false, because only a minority are pathogenic.
