Here are some potential benefits and harms of protists, fungi and plants:
- Protists:
Benefits: Some photosynthetic protists are one of the most important food source for many sea animals like sharks- the big giant aquatic creatures. They are responsible for producing 40% of the food that other organisms consume. Several little sea organisms like shrimp and larval crabs depend on protists for their food. Humans also harvest protests for food since they hold primary position in the food chain.
Harms: Like any other organisms, protists can also harm, especially to humans. There is a specific group of protists called animal-like protists that act as a parasite and harm human being.
For example: a fatal disease malaria is caused by a protist called plasmodium that is transmitted to human through a mosquito bite. Malaria can cause symptoms like headaches, vomiting and fever, and in severe cases can lead to the death of individual.
2. Fungi:
Benefits: Some fungi are very useful for humans like mushrooms. They are part of our delicious cuisines and add flavor and aroma to the food. Yeast is a fungi that is used to make bread and soya sauce. They are also source of useful compounds that scientists used to treat bacterial and viral infections.
Harms: Fungi can be really harmful to humans as well. They cause several diseases in humans and crops such as, Rusts and smuts on farm crops and orchards, Athletes foot and oral thrush in humans.
3. Plants
Benefits: It won’t be wrong to say that we owe our existence to plants. They are not only important for humans but all other living organisms. Humans cannot survive more than few minutes without the supply for oxygen. Plants release the oxygen that humans use to breathe and survive.
Harms: Most of the plants are useful and just useful to us. They don’t eat us, run after us or kill us. However, some plants are so dangerous that only standing near them can cause harmful effects on human health. For example, the Manchineel tree is found throughout the Carribean and America, getting splash of its run off or inhaling its dust can quickly cause itching and swelling all over the skin. If you just touch its skin, your body will experience rashes quickly!
Hope it helps!
