The Five Kingdoms

 Most modern scientists use the five kingdom system of classification.  Any system of classification is somewhat artificial.  It is simply an attempt by humans to impose order on a vast, diverse group of organisms.  Some organisms do not fit neatly into one of the five kingdoms.

The system is based on the following criteria:  Number of cells in an organism / tissue structure  Cell structure / cell type » the presence or absence of a nucleus  The mode of nutrition / energy source  Developmental patterns / reproduction The Five Kingdoms

Kingdom Monera  Prokaryotic » cell lacks nucleus or any membrane bound organelles  Microscopic  Occur as a single cell or in colonies  May be autotrophic or heterotrophic  Usually sexual reproduction  Kingdom Monera includes the greatest number of organisms on earth Examples include » Eubacteria (True bacteria) Archebacteria (ancient bacteria)

Important Point from Mr. Chapman !  These days, scientists divide Kingdom Monera into 2 separate kingdoms:  Kingdom Archaebacteria: found in extreme environments such as hot boiling water, under conditions that are either acidic or have no oxygen.  Kingdom Eubacteria: These are most bacteria that people are familiar with, and are found practically everywhere.

Kingdom Protista  Eukaryotes that lack specialized tissue systems  Single celled or multicellular  Reproduce sexually or asexually  Autotrophic or heterotrophic Examples include » Algae Protozoa

Kingdom Fungi  Eukaryotic  Most are multicellular  Heterotrophic  Reproduce sexually and asexually  Non-motile Examples include » Mushrooms Yeasts Puffballs Bread molds

Kingdom Plantae  Eukaryotic  Multicellular  Autotrophic  Reproduce sexually or asexually  Most are non-motile  Cellulose cell walls Examples include » plants

Kingdom Animalia  Eukaryotic  Multicellular  Heterotrophs  Reproduce sexually, a few asexually  Most are motile at some point in their lives. Examples include »

The Five Kingdoms