SBI3U
Lab: Under the Microscope (Protista)
DIV.02. investigate, through laboratory and/or field activities or through simulations, the
principles of scientific classification, using appropriate sampling and classification
techniques.
DIV.03. demonstrate an understanding of the diversity of living organisms in terms of
the principles of taxonomy and phylogeny.
Introduction
The first protists were also the first eukaryotic organisms appearing 1.5 billion years ago, almost 2
billion years after the first prokaryotes. It is believed that the first protists arose when a bacterial cell
ingested a smaller bacterial cell, and the bacterial cell along with the ingested cell formed a symbiotic
relationship. This endosymbiotic theory was postulated by Lynn Margulis who focused on the origins
of chloroplasts and mitochondria, which after a much closer look resemble that of a bacterial cell.
The kingdom Protista was originally developed for unicellular organisms; however some multicellular
organisms once classified as plants, including the kelp (Phyla: Phaeophyta) and other seaweeds
have been moved to the Protista kingdom...Some biologists still classify some multicellular seaweeds
into the kingdom Plantae.
Protists are divided into 3 general groups:
1. Protozoa: are animal-like organisms which are heterotrophic. These protists obtain their
nutrition by absorbing or ingesting their food.
2. Algae: are plant-like protists which contain chloroplasts and are autotrophic. These protists
are able to undergo photosynthesis. NOTE: Alga is a loose term referring to any aquatic
organisms which could undergo photosynthesis, this also includes the cyanobacteria
(kingdom: Eubacteria).
3. Slime moulds and water moulds are fungus-like but have evolved independantly.
Part 1 Prepared slides:
1. Obtain prepared slides for the different protists (Volvox, Euglena, Paramecium caudatum,
Amoeba proteus, diatoms .
2. Focus up and down through the specimens.
3. Draw a few specimens from each slide OR take an image through the ocular lens using your
cell phone / iPad camera
4. Record the magnification you are viewing the specimen: 40X, 100X or 400X
5. Label your diagrams to the right: of the drawing
 Name:
 Kingdom: _______ Phylum:_________
 Viewed @ 400X magnification.
 Actual size:
.
Part 2: Pond Water
1. Place a few drops of the pond water and a piece of algae/leaf on the depression slide. Place a
cover slip over the depression.
2. Observe the organisms under low power. Remember to focus up and down through the
sample of water.
3. You may use the medium objective lens to view more detail of the smaller organisms.
4. Choose 4 interesting organisms and sketch them OR take a photo. Identify the image as
being Protista or Animalia.
(Note: not all of these will be protista...is it moving and multicellular = Animalia).
Questions:
1.
2.
3.
4.
What are the characteristics of diatoms? How are they used in society?
Describe how an amoeba moves? Eats?
What is the function of the eyespot in the euglena?
a. What is the dual role of the cilia?
b. Describe the function of a macronucleus, and micronucleus in a paramecium.
5. Describe the characteristics of a volvox colony.
Kingdom: Protista
Category
Level 1
(50-59%)
Level 2
(60-69%)
Level 3
(70-79%)
Level 4
(80-100%)
Knowledge and
Understanding
understanding of the
characteristics of
organisms from the
kingdom Protista.
DI3.03.
Demonstrates
limited
understanding of
the characteristics
of organisms from
the kingdom
Protista.
Demonstrates
some
understanding of
the characteristics
of organisms from
the kingdom
Protista.
Demonstrates
considerable
understanding of the
characteristics of
organisms from the
kingdom Protista.
Demonstrates
thorough
understanding of the
characteristics of
organisms from the
kingdom Protista.
Thinking and
Investigation
Identifies and draws
diagrams/photos of the
representative Protista
from the prepared
slides.
DI2.02.
Identifies and
draws diagrams of
the representative
Protista from the
prepared slides
with limited depth.
Identifies and
draws diagrams of
the representative
Protista from the
prepared slides
with some depth.
Identifies and draws
diagrams of the
representative
Protista from the
prepared slides with
considerable depth.
Identifies and draws
diagrams of the
representative
Protista from the
prepared slides with
a high degree of
depth.
Thinking and
Investigation
Investigates the biotic
components found in
pond water, identifies
and draws diagrams
DI2.02. SI1.11
Investigates the
biotic components
found in pond
water, identifies
and draws
diagrams with
limited depth.
Investigates the
biotic components
found in pond
water, identifies
and draws
diagrams with
some depth.
Investigates the
biotic components
found in pond water,
identifies and draws
diagrams with
considerable depth.
Investigates the
biotic components
found in pond water,
identifies and draws
diagrams with a high
degree of depth.
Thinking and
Investigation
Investigation and
research skills (use of
microscope,
magnification
calculations).
SI1.04, SI1.06, SI1.11
Identifies correct
procedures and
equipment with limited
effectiveness.
Identifies correct
procedures and
equipment with some
effectiveness.
Identifies correct
procedures and
equipment with
considerable
effectiveness.
Identifies correct
procedures and
equipment with a high
degree of
effectiveness.
Note: A student whose achievement is below Level 1 (50%) has not met the expectations for this assignment or activity