Question

Pretend that you’re telling someone about Protists. When they hear that you’re learning about protists, they interrupt you and claim that the world would be a better place without protists because of how harmful they are to humans. Would you agree or disagree with this person?

Answer 1

"The taxonomic kingdom Protista is a collection of single-celled organisms that do not fit into any other category. Protists are a group made up of protozoa, unicellular algae, and slime molds."

Protazoa:
"Sewage and other forms of wastewater can pose a serious threat to human health, and cause great harm to ecosystems, if they are simply allowed to run into rivers or dumped in the ocean. It is therefore sent to treatment plants to remove harmful bacteria, offensive odors and suspended organic matter. Protozoa play an important role in this process by preying on bacteria, and consuming large amounts of organic material, helping to clarify the water and render it safe for disposal."

"It may be that protozoa help control bacterial populations in the human intestine. There are a great variety of bacteria normally present in the human gut, and most of the time, they are beneficial, helping to break down food, or harmless. However, it is thought that protozoa that prey on these organisms may help to keep their numbers in check, and prevent imbalances between different types."

so id say that you would disagree because protists can actually be beneficial to humans

Answer 2

http://www.wisegeek.org/how-are-protists-beneficial-to-humans.htm#

Answer 3

Thank you so much! You are a lifesaver!