An amoeba is classified as a protist, not bacteria. Protists are a diverse group of eukaryotic microorganisms, which means they have complex cells with a nucleus. In contrast, bacteria are prokaryotic, meaning their cells do not contain a nucleus.
Amoebas belong to the kingdom Protista and are known for their unique shape and ability to move and feed by extending their pseudopodia—temporary projections of their cytoplasm. They can be found in various environments, usually in water, where they play an important role in the ecosystem as both predators and prey.
In summary, while both amoebas and bacteria are important microorganisms, they belong to different categories of life: amoebas are protists, characterized by their eukaryotic cell structure, while bacteria are simpler prokaryotic organisms.