Kingdoms of Life Classification

Kingdoms of Life

The five kingdoms of life are a way to classify living organisms based on their characteristics and evolutionary relationships.

Animalia

• Multicellular, eukaryotic organisms
• Heterotrophic (cannot make their own food)
• Lack cell walls
• May have nervous systems, muscles, and sensory organs
• Examples: humans, animals, insects, fish

Monera

• Prokaryotic organisms (lacking a true nucleus)
• Unicellular or multicellular
• Usually single-celled, but some species form colonies
• Can be autotrophic (make their own food) or heterotrophic
• Examples: bacteria, cyanobacteria, archaea

Protista

• Eukaryotic organisms that don't fit into other kingdoms
• Mostly unicellular, but some are multicellular
• Can be autotrophic or heterotrophic
• Diverse group, including protozoa, algae, and slime molds
• Examples: protozoa, amoebas, paramecia, seaweeds

Fungi

• Multicellular, eukaryotic organisms
• Heterotrophic, obtaining nutrients by decomposing organic matter or forming symbiotic relationships
• Have cell walls made of chitin
• Examples: mushrooms, molds, yeasts, lichens

Plantae

• Multicellular, eukaryotic organisms
• Autotrophic, making their own food through photosynthesis
• Have cell walls made of cellulose
• Examples: plants, trees, flowers, grasses

Kingdoms of Life

• Classification system based on characteristics and evolutionary relationships

Animalia

• Multicellular and eukaryotic organisms
• Heterotrophic, unable to produce their own food
• Lack cell walls
• Possess nervous systems, muscles, and sensory organs
• Examples: humans, animals, insects, and fish

Monera

• Prokaryotic organisms without a true nucleus
• Can be unicellular or multicellular, but mostly single-celled
• Some species form colonies
• Can be autotrophic or heterotrophic
• Examples: bacteria, cyanobacteria, and archaea

Protista

• Eukaryotic organisms that don't fit into other kingdoms
• Mostly unicellular, but some are multicellular
• Can be autotrophic or heterotrophic
• Diverse group, including protozoa, algae, and slime molds
• Examples: protozoa, amoebas, paramecia, and seaweeds

Fungi

• Multicellular and eukaryotic organisms
• Heterotrophic, obtaining nutrients by decomposing organic matter or forming symbiotic relationships
• Cell walls made of chitin
• Examples: mushrooms, molds, yeasts, and lichens

Plantae

• Multicellular and eukaryotic organisms
• Autotrophic, producing their own food through photosynthesis
• Cell walls made of cellulose
• Examples: plants, trees, flowers, and grasses