Slime Moulds

• They are saprophytic protists.
• The body moves along decaying twigs and leaves engulfing organic material.
• Under suitable conditions, they form an aggregation called plasmodium which may grow and spread over several feet.
• During unfavourable conditions, the plasmodium differentiates and forms fruiting bodies bearing spores at their tips.
• Spores possess true walls.
• They are extremely resistant and survive for many years. The spores are dispersed by air currents.