The Five Kingdoms of Life:
The five-kingdom classification system is a widely accepted framework for organizing living organisms.
Each kingdom has distinct characteristics that set it apart from the others.
Kingdom Monera:
·
Prokaryotic Cells:
Organisms in this kingdom are
composed of prokaryotic cells, which lack a nucleus and membrane-bound
organelles.
·
Unicellular:
Most monerans are unicellular,
although some may form colonies or chains.
·
Nutrition:
Most are heterotrophic, but
some perform photosynthesis.
·
Examples:
Bacteria and cyanobacteria.
Kingdom Protista
·
Eukaryotic Cells:
Protists are eukaryotic
organisms, meaning they have cells with a nucleus and membrane-bound
organelles.
·
Unicellular or Simple
Multicellular:
They can be unicellular,
colonial, or simple multicellular.
·
Diverse Characteristics:
Protists exhibit a wide range
of characteristics, resembling plants (algae), animals (protozoans), or fungi.
Kingdom Fungi
·
Eukaryotic Multicellular
Heterotrophs:
Fungi are multicellular
eukaryotes that obtain nutrients through absorption.
·
Decomposers:
Many fungi are decomposers, breaking down
organic matter and recycling nutrients.
·
Cell Wall:
Fungi have cell walls made of
chitin.
Kingdom Plantae
·
Eukaryotic Multicellular
Autotrophs:
Plants are multicellular
eukaryotes that produce their own food through photosynthesis.
Cell walls:
cell walls are made up of
cellulose.
·
Multicellular Sex Organs:
Plants have multicellular sex
organs and form embryos during their life cycle.
Kingdom Animalia
·
Eukaryotic Multicellular
Heterotrophs:
Animals are multicellular
eukaryotes that obtain energy by ingesting food.
·
No Cell Wall:
Animal cells lack cell walls.
·
Movement:
Animals are capable of movement.
Note:
Viruses,
prions, and viroids are not considered organisms and are not included in the
five-kingdom classification system. They are acellular particles that can only
reproduce within living cells.
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