The Kingdom Protista

The Dazzling World of Living Cells

For convenience, biologists divide living organisms into five "Kingdoms": the Monerans (bacteria and cyanobacteria), Protists, Fungi, Plants, and Animals. The Kingdom Protista includes a vast array of tiny eukaryotic cells that lead complex and extraordinary lives far from the eyes of most humans; a dedication to microscopy is vital to see them in all their splendor. This video is a unique resource introducing the viewer to a considerable range of living seaweeds, phytoplankton, amoebae, slime molds, ciliated protozoa and some dangerous pathogens. The spectacular video sequences, often in time-lapse, show life's drama being played out by these cells on their microscopic stage.

Interwoven into the 33 chapters are vital topics such as: cell division; morphogenesis and differentiation; predatory tactics; endosymbiosis and its role in the evolution of algal groups; sex; differentiation; life cycles; wound healing; and the origin of multicellular organisms and higher land plants.

Teachers will find this video a convenient, thought-provoking and spectacular addition to their teaching aids, one guaranteed to stimulate interest and classroom discussion.