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Protists are of different types:
(i) Plant like protists (Photosynthetic protists):
(a) They are termed as phytoplanktons, also known as Chrysophytes.
(b) They are autotrophic (photosynthetic) in nature and form major producers of ocean ecosystem.
(c)Most of them are referred as Diatoms because they have body wall made up of two soap-box like fitting silica covers. E.g. Diatoms.
1. Dinoflagellates:
(i) They are aquatic (mostly marine) and autotrophic (photosynthetic).
(ii) They have wide range of photosynthetic pigments which can be yellow, green, brown, blue and red.
(iii) The cell wall is made up of cellulosic stiff plates.
(iv) A pair of flagella is present, hence they are motile.
(v) They are responsible for famous ‘red tide’. E.g. Gonyaulax. It makes sea appear red.