characteristics of the six kingdoms
KINGDOM ANIMALIA
Organisms in this kingdom are multicellular and are composed of eukaryotic cells. They have a membrane-bound nucleus, membrane-bound organelles, and multiple linear chromosomes, but have no cell walls. These cells come together forming tissues, that are organized into complex organs which form organ systems. They are able to move with the aid of cilia, flagella or muscular organs. Animals in this category cannot make their own food and solely rely on other living things as a food source, making them heterotrophs.
Organisms in this kingdom are multicellular and are composed of eukaryotic cells. They have a membrane-bound nucleus, membrane-bound organelles, and multiple linear chromosomes, but have no cell walls. These cells come together forming tissues, that are organized into complex organs which form organ systems. They are able to move with the aid of cilia, flagella or muscular organs. Animals in this category cannot make their own food and solely rely on other living things as a food source, making them heterotrophs.
KINGDOM EUBACTERIA
Organisms in this kingdom are single-celled (or unicellular), prokaryotic, some may or may not move, have a cell wall made of peptidoglycan, but have no chloroplasts, organelles and nucleus. They are usually fairly tiny, long, and are visibly green and thread-like. Eubacteria are classified into two phyla; autotrophs and heterotrophs. Autotrophs are able absorb nutrients through their cell walls or acquire them through photosynthesis like plants, but heterotrophs cannot, making their only food source being autotrophs.
KINGDOM ARCHAEA
Organisms in this kingdom are unicellular, nonmotile, and characterized by being prokaryotic by having no cell nucleus or any other membrane-bound organelles. Their DNA is similar to eukaryotic and their cell walls contain only pseudopeptidoglycan or protein. Archaebacteria are also classified as either being autotrophs and heterotrophs when it comes to their method of attaining food. Archaea are considered some of the oldest species of organisms on earth and can survive in harsh environmental conditions.
KINGDOM PROTISTA
Organisms in this kingdom are single-celled eukaryotes that are mostly marine based and move by cilia, flagella or by marine mechanisms. They have organelles with a nucleus and may have chloroplasts. The primary difference between Monera and Protista is that protists are more complex by having a nucleus. Like plants, they create their own food, and like animals they have body parts making them capable of moving around. They are quite small, but are not small enough to be unable to see them through a microscope or magnifying glass. They absorb their nutrients by both photosynthesis or ingesting other organisms.
KINGDOM FUNGI
Organisms in this kingdom are multicellular eukaryotes, have cell walls made of chitin, organelles with a nucleus, but no chloroplasts. They do not move and can be microscopic or large in size. Fungi are very different from plants in the sense that they cannot make their own food and solely rely on external food sources (heterotrophs). They acquire nutrients through absorption of decaying material.
Organisms in this kingdom are multicellular eukaryotes, have cell walls made of chitin, organelles with a nucleus, but no chloroplasts. They do not move and can be microscopic or large in size. Fungi are very different from plants in the sense that they cannot make their own food and solely rely on external food sources (heterotrophs). They acquire nutrients through absorption of decaying material.
KINGDOM PLANTAE
Plants are multicellular eukaryotes, have cell walls made of cellulose, chloroplasts, and organelles with a nucleus. Majority of plants lact motility but some move using cilia or flagella. Their food and nutrients are acquired through photosynthesis, making them autotrophs, but there are some species that are both autotrophs and heterotrophs. Kingdom plantae is very important, as they are the source of food for all other living creatures on earth.