Are ciliates an animal like protist?

Yes, ciliates are a group of protists that share some characteristics with animals, particularly in their complex behaviors and structures. They are single-celled organisms that move and feed using hair-like structures called cilia. Ciliates exhibit a range of behaviors, including predation and symbiOSis, which further aligns them with animal-like traits. However, they are classified as protists, distinct from true animals in the broader taxonomic hierarchy.