slime mold
Slime molds are fascinating organisms that blur the line between single-celled and multicellular life forms, often found in moist environments like forest floors and decaying logs.
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Definition
C1Biology
(scientific, technical)An organism that can exist as a single cell but can aggregate to form a multicellular structure for reproduction.
Example
- When food is scarce, slime molds gather to form a fruiting body that releases spores.
C1Microbiology
(academic)A protist known for its amoeba-like feeding stage and its ability to form spores, typically found in damp, decaying organic matter.
Example
- Slime molds play a crucial role in decomposing organic material in forest ecosystems.
B2Ecology
(informal)A simple organism that moves and changes shape, often appearing in wet environments.
Example
- You might spot a brightly colored slime mold on a damp log during a walk in the woods.
Similar
Terms that have similar or relatively close meanings to "slime mold":