what are the characteristics of kingdoms?
The characteristics of kingdoms generally refer to the characteristics of biological kingdoms in the classification system used in biology. The five main kingdoms include Monera, Protista, Fungi, Plantae, and Animalia. Each of these kingdoms has distinct characteristics that differentiate them from one another. To understand these characteristics, one can study the following points:
1. Monera: Monera is a kingdom that includes single-celled organisms, such as bacteria. The key characteristics of monera include the absence of a nucleus, presence of a cell wall, and the ability to reproduce through binary fission.
2. Protista: Protista is a kingdom that contains mostly unicellular eukaryotic organisms, such as algae and protozoa. The main characteristics of protista include having a nucleus, varied modes of nutrition (some are autotrophic while others are heterotrophic), and being predominantly aquatic in nature.
3. Fungi: Fungi are multicellular eukaryotic organisms that obtain nutrients through the absorption of organic matter. The key characteristics of fungi include having cell walls made of chitin, a heterotrophic mode of nutrition, and reproduction through spores.
4. Plantae: The kingdom Plantae consists of multicellular eukaryotic organisms, specifically plants. The main characteristics of plants include having cell walls made of cellulose, being autotrophic through photosynthesis, and reproduction through seeds or spores.
5. Animalia: The kingdom Animalia comprises multicellular eukaryotic organisms, which are animals. Some key characteristics of animals include being heterotrophic, lacking cell walls, and having specialized tissues and organs. Animals reproduce either sexually or asexually.
These are the general characteristics of the five biological kingdoms. It is essential to note that these characteristics may vary within each kingdom, as there can be a vast diversity of organisms present. It is always advisable to consult scientific resources for more detailed and specific information on each kingdom.
Since this is not my area of expertise, I searched Google under the key words "biology kingdoms classification" to get these possible sources:
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kingdom_(biology)
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Biological_classification
http://www.ruf.rice.edu/~bioslabs/studies/invertebrates/kingdoms.html
http://waynesword.palomar.edu/trfeb98.htm
http://www.kidsbiology.com/biology_basics/five_kingdoms_life/classification1.php
In the future, you can find the information you desire more quickly, if you use appropriate key words to do your own search. Also see http://hanlib.sou.edu/searchtools/.
I hope this helps.