CLASSIFICATION PAGE

 

The biological classification system is a constant work in progress.  It is not static, but is ever changing as more data is gathered.  In recent years, new information has given rise to a major change from a 5-kingdom system of classification, to a 3-domain system of classification.  Both systems are indicated below.  The change to a 3 domain classification basically involves splitting the Monerans into the Eubacteria and the Archaebacteria.  Other systems have been suggested (such as a 6 kingdom system), but the 3-domain system seems to be a bit more popular.

I. Five Kingdom System of Classification - click on the title of each kingdom for more details.

The Kingdoms At A Glance
MONERANS PROTISTS FUNGI PLANTS ANIMALS
TYPE OF CELL Prokaryotic Eukaryotic Eukaryotic Eukaryotic Eukaryotic
NUMBER OF CELLS Unicellular Unicellular Uni/Multi Multicellular Multicellular
HOW THEY OBTAIN FOOD Auto/Hetero Auto/Hetero Heterotrophic Autotrophic Heterotrophic
 

II. Three Domain System of Classification
 
  DOMAINS:        Archaebacteria    Eubacteria                   Eukaryotes
     Kingdoms:                                                     Protists; Plants; Fungi; Animals

 
 
III. Links
1. Biological diversity: classification
2. How to know the Earth's plants and animals- lots of info on related issues, easy to read and understand
3. Prokaryotic cells- a thinkquest site

 
 
 

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©1998 Linda Pellegrini. All rights reserved.