Slime moulds belong to

Options

A. Fungi
B. Protista
C. Monera
D. Plantae.

Answer

To determine the classification of slime molds, we can follow these steps:

1. **Understand the Classification System**: R. H. Whittaker proposed a five-kingdom classification system that includes Monera, Protista, Fungi, Plantae, and Animalia. Each kingdom has distinct characteristics.

2. **Identify Characteristics of Slime Molds**: Slime molds are unique organisms that exhibit characteristics of both fungi and protists. They are primarily unicellular eukaryotes, which aligns them more closely with the Protista kingdom.

3. **Examine the Options**: The options provided are:
- Fungus
- Protista
- Monera
- Plantae

4. **Analyze the Characteristics of Each Kingdom**:
- **Monera**: Comprises prokaryotic organisms (bacteria), which slime molds are not.
- **Protista**: Contains unicellular eukaryotes, which includes slime molds.
- **Fungi**: Generally multicellular eukaryotes (with the exception of yeast), but slime molds are not classified here despite some similarities.
- **Plantae**: Comprises multicellular eukaryotic plants, which slime molds do not fit into.

5. **Conclude the Classification**: Since slime molds are unicellular eukaryotes that reproduce by spore formation and have a cell wall, they are classified under the kingdom Protista.

Thus, the correct answer is **Protista**.