Simple Organisms

Overview: The simple forms of life on this planet are diverse and quite foreign to us. These critters are mostly too small to be seen but they are fascinating as well as important. Starting with viruses and bacteria, we investigated size, structure, life-style, effects, and our own defenses against them. Virology is a science that makes dramatic advances daily. Next, we studied the bacteria and protist kingdoms which contain comparatively more complicated organisms that usually live in ponds or even inside us. Lastly, we came to understand and maybe even appreciate the slimy things in the fungus kingdom and their roles as decomposers in the cycles of nature.