THE SIX KINGDOMS
The 2nd highest category in the Linnaean system of classification is the kingdom. At this level, organisms are distinguished on the basis of the following characteristics including: Type of cells-simple/complex (Prokaryote/eukaryote) Number of cells in body (Unicellular/multicellular) Ability to make food (Autotrophic/heterotrophic)
Kingdom Eubacteria One-celled organism (unicellular) One-celled organism (unicellular) Do not contain a nucleus or membrane bound organelles (prokaryote) Have cell walls Heterotroph: most do not make food, but break down or decompose other living or once-living things Some Bacteria (cyanobacteria)contain chlorophyll and make their own food (autotrophs) Bacteria are frequently referred to as Monerans.
Kingdom Archaebacteria Live in extreme environments such as salt marshes, volcanic vents, and sulfur springs. Other organisms would not be able to survive in these places Prokaryote, unicellular, heterotroph Archaebacteria can live in harsh environments with little or no oxygen, beneath 430 m of ice in Antarctica , in hot springs and 8 km below the earth's surface. The cell walls are chemically different from those of eubacteria The yellow coloring in the water at the Midway Geyser Basin in Yellowstone National Park is caused by archaebacteria. Archaebacteria are known to survive at extremely high temperatures like those produced from a geyser.
Kingdom Protista One celled and many celled organisms (unicellular and multicellular) Plant-like protists, which have chlorophyll and make food (autotroph) Animal-like, which take in food from surrounding (heterotroph) Separate kingdom due to problems fitting in to other kingdoms Eukaryote
Kingdom Fungi Mostly multicellular organisms; some unicellular organisms (yeast) Do not have chlorophyll; cannot make own food- all are heterotrophs Absorb and digest food Cells have walls (cell walls made up of chitin) Eukaryote
Kingdom Plantae Multicellular Autotroph-many cells have chlorophyll-in light they make their food Cells have walls (cell walls made up of cellulose) Roots or rootlike structures anchor plant and absorb water Eukaryote
Kingdom Animalia Eukaryote; No cell wall Eat and digest other organisms (heterotroph) Multicellular Most can move from place to place (motile)