Increasing knowledge about the ultrastructure, genetics, life cycle, developmental patterns, chromosomal organization, physiology, metabolism and protein amino-acid sequences of the protoctists has revealed many differences between them and the animals, fungi, and plants. It has even been suggested that the major protoctist groups, now called phyla, are so distinct from each other as to deserve kingdom status, and that nearly 20 kingdoms ought to be created to accommodate them. In a recent comprehensive compilation of information about protoctists, nearly 50 phyla are recognized. We can anticipate many years of animated discussion about the optimal taxonomy of this amazing group of organisms.
Adapted from The Five Kingdoms by Lynn Margulis. W.H. Freeman and Company, NY, 1988.
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