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Scientists classify all life on earth into five different kingdoms. The kingdoms are called: Monera, Protista, Fungi, Plantea, and AnimaliaThe kingdoms that we are most familiar with are the animal (Animalia) and plant (Plantea) kingdoms. These two kingdoms contain large multicellular organisms.

Organisms are separated into these major groups by sharing characteristics in common. The type of cell that the organism has and how the organism gets its food are the factors important at this top level of classification.

Microbes are single cell organisms that belong to the kingdom Monera. They are very simple cells called prokaryotic which means that the nucleus has no membrane surrounding it. Microbes absorb their food through their outer membrane.

All algae belong to the kingdom Protista. These are larger single celled organisms called Eukaryotic which means that their nucleus is surrounded by a membrane. They have a variety of ways that they get their food. A Protista can absorb, ingest, and/or make its own food through photosynthesis.

Organisms in the kingdom Fungi include mushrooms. They are more complex. A Fungi is multicellular with specialized eukaryotic cells. They absorb food. Examples of this type of organism include mushrooms, molds, and yeast.

Plants are complex multicellular organisms with highly specialized eukaryotic cells. They make their own food through photosynthesis.

Animals are complex mutlicellular organisms with highly specialized eukaryotic cells. They cannot make their own food and must ingest other organisms in order to live. Animals also have the ability to move on their own.

This system of classification of the organisms in our world is open to change as new organisms are discovered or new information is learned about existing organisms.

Learn more about this author, Mary Paliescheskey.
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