mycetozoans
Mycetozoans, commonly known as slime molds, are fascinating organisms that occupy a unique position in biological classification. Traditionally classified as fungi due to their mold-like appearance, they are now recognized as distinct from fungi and more closely related to amoebae and other protists. Mycetozoans exhibit a complex life cycle that includes both unicellular and multicellular stages, bridging the gap between prokaryotes and eukaryotes.
There are two primary groups of mycetozoans: plasmodial slime molds (Myxomycetes) and cellular slime molds (Dictyosteliida).
Cellular slime molds, on the other hand, exist primarily as solitary amoeboid cells that feed and reproduce
Mycetozoans play important ecological roles as decomposers, breaking down organic material and recycling nutrients in forest