protoctist

The latter have more detailed descriptions of the various protoctist groups, but Tudge is more up to date on the current thinking on the kingdoms.

A Producer in Ecology refers to an organism (generally a Plant, Fungus or Protoctist) which creates energy using energy not obtained through the consumption of any other living organism.

Well, it is certainly intriguing to think of our protoctist subjects (as well as our selves, the oak tree in the yard and the dog at our feet) as composite forms (much like lichens were known to be).