Myxomycota

The Myxomycota (also known as Amoebozoa or Eumycetozoa) is the phylum containing plasmodial slime molds or myxomycetes. Formerly classifiied as primitive fungi, myxomycetes are organisms that have affinities to both animals and fungi. The amoeboid feeding stage known as the plasmodium shows animal-like charac­teristics in actively engulfing bacteria, other microorganisms, and organic matter in the environment. The reproductive stage, however, shows fungal-like characteristics because the spores have cell walls and are produced within fruiting bodies. Slime molds frequently appear in cool, damp areas and can be found on moist soil, tree bark, and decaying vegetation, where they act as scavengers. Myxomycetes are found in all terrestrial habitats, although they are most diverse in forest biomes.

Under unfavorable environmental conditions, the plasmodium gives rise to sporangia or other types of fruiting bodies. The myxomycete spores within the fruiting body are passively released into the air. The spores may remain dormant for long periods of time. When the spores germinate they give rise to swarm cells (flagellated) or myxamoebae (amoeboid) depending on moisture availability. Eventually, these cells can give rise to a new plasmodium.