Amoeba and paramecium are classified as animal-like protists primarily because of their ability to move freely and their mode of nutrition. Unlike plant-like protists, which perform photosynthesis, these organisms are heterotrophic. They obtain their food by consuming other organisms or organic matter.
Amoeba, for instance, moves using pseudopodia, which are temporary projections of its cell. This allows them to engulf food particles through a process known as phagocytosis. Paramecium, on the other hand, uses its cilia—tiny hair-like structures—to swim and feed on bacteria and debris in its environment.
Their locomotion and feeding habits closely resemble those of some small animals, which is why they are categorized as animal-like protists. Additionally, both amoeba and paramecium exhibit complex behaviors such as responding to stimuli and demonstrating a level of cellular organization akin to that of animals.