Table of Contents
Living Things – Definition
Living things are any form of life, including plants, animals, and fungi. They are all composed of cells, which contain DNA and are capable of growth, reproduction, and response to stimuli.
Characteristics of Living Things
Living things are characterized by their ability to grow and change, their need for energy, and their ability to reproduce. Living things are also able to respond to their environment, and they are made of cells.
Classification of Living Things
There are six kingdoms of living things: Monera, Protista, Fungi, Plant, Animal, and Eukaryote.
Monera are single-celled organisms that lack a nucleus or other organelles. Bacteria are the most common type of Monera.
Protista are single-celled or simple multi-celled organisms that lack a nucleus or other organelles. Algae and protozoa are the most common types of Protista.
Fungi are single-celled or simple multi-celled organisms that lack a nucleus or other organelles. Mushrooms and molds are the most common types of Fungi.
Plants are multi-celled organisms that lack a nucleus or other organelles. Green plants, including trees and flowers, are the most common type of Plant.
Animals are multi-celled organisms that lack a nucleus or other organelles. Mammals, including humans, are the most common type of Animal.
Eukaryotes are multi-celled organisms that have a nucleus and other organelles. Animals and plants are the most common types of Eukaryote.
Properties of the Five Kingdoms:
The five kingdoms are Monera, Protista, Fungi, Plantae, and Animalia.
Each kingdom has unique characteristics that distinguish it from the other kingdoms.
Monera are prokaryotic cells, meaning their cells do not have a membrane-bound nucleus. They are simple cells that lack many of the features of other cells. Monera are single-celled organisms and the most primitive of the five kingdoms.
Protista are eukaryotic cells, meaning their cells have a membrane-bound nucleus. They are more complex than Monera and include both unicellular and multicellular organisms. Protista are some of the most diverse organisms on Earth and include things like algae and amoebas.
Fungi are eukaryotic cells, meaning their cells have a membrane-bound nucleus. Fungi are heterotrophs, meaning they cannot produce their own food and must eat other organisms or organic matter. Fungi include things like mushrooms and yeast.
Plantae are eukaryotic cells, meaning their cells have a membrane-bound nucleus. Plantae are autotrophs, meaning they can produce their own food. Plantae include things like trees and flowers.
Animalia are eukaryotic cells, meaning their cells have a membrane-bound nucleus. Animalia are heterotrophs, meaning they must eat other organisms or organic matter. Animalia include
