Protists are challenging to classify due to their vast diversity and the lack of distinctive, defining characteristics that are universally applicable to all members of this group. Unlike more well-defined taxonomic groups, protists encompass a wide range of organisms with varying cell structures, life cycles, and modes of nutrition. This diversity often blurs traditional classification criteria, making it difficult to establish clear-cut boundaries between different protist groups. Additionally, advancements in molecular biology have revealed genetic complexities that may not align with morphological features, further complicating the classification of protists. As a result, the taxonomy of protists continues to evolve as our understanding of their biological diversity deepens.
