Protists are no longer classified as a kingdom because DNA evidence suggests they did not evolve from a single common ancestor.

DNA Evidence

Genetic material used in courts or investigations to prove the presence or absence of an individual at a crime scene, or to establish paternity or other relationships.

Protists

The group of eukaryotic organisms that are not a plant, fungus, or animal. Protists are generally a microscopic, complex single cell; they evolved before other types of eukaryotes in the history of Earth.

Common Ancestor

The most recent individual from which all organisms in a group are directly descended.