Slime moulds are unique organisms classified under the kingdom Protista that exhibit dual characteristics during different phases of their life cycle:

Amoeba-like Phase: During their vegetative or feeding stage, they exist as individual amoeboid cells (myxamoebae) or a large, multinucleated mass called a plasmodium. In this stage, they move using pseudopodia and engulf food particles through phagocytosis, much like a giant amoeba.

Fungus-like Phase: When environmental conditions become unfavorable (e.g., lack of food or moisture), they transform into reproductive structures called fruiting bodies (sporangia). These structures produce and release spores, a characteristic shared with fungi. Unlike true fungi, however, their spore walls are made of cellulose rather than chitin.