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A plant kingdom is further classified into subgroups. Classification is based on the following criteria:
1. Plant body: Presence or absence of a well-differentiated plant body. E.g. Root, Stem and Leaves.
2. Vascular system: Presence or absence of a vascular system for the transportation of water and other
substances. E.g. Phloem and Xylem.
3. Seed formation: Presence or absence of flowers and seeds and if the seeds are naked or enclosed in a
fruit.
The plant kingdom has been classified into five subgroups according to the above-mentioned criteria:
1. Thallophyta
2. Bryophyta
3. Pteridophyta
4. Gymnosperms
5. Angiosperms
Kingdom Fungi
Fungi are eukaryotic organisms that include microorganisms such as yeasts, molds, and mushrooms.
These organisms are classified under kingdom fungi.
The organisms found in Kingdom fungi contain a cell wall and are omnipresent. They are classified
as heterotrophs among the living organisms.
To name a few – the appearance of black spots on bread left outside for some days, the mushrooms
and the yeast cells, which are commonly used for the production of beer and bread are also fungi. They are
also found in most skin infections and other fungal diseases.
If we observe carefully, all the examples that we cited involve moist conditions. Thus, we can say
that fungi usually grow in places which are moist and warm enough to support them.
he term ‘Protista’ is derived from the Greek word “protistos”, meaning “the very first“. These
organisms are usually unicellular and the cell of these organisms contains a nucleus which is bound to the
organelles. Some of them even possess structures that aid locomotion like flagella or cilia.
Scientists speculate that protists form a link between plants, animals and fungi as these three
kingdoms diverged from a common protist-like ancestor, billions of years ago. Though this “protists-like”
ancestor is a hypothetical organism, we can trace some genes found in modern animals and plants to these
ancient organisms.
Therefore, these organisms are traditionally considered the first eukaryotic forms of life and a
predecessor to plants, animals and fungi.
The primary feature of all protists is that they are eukaryotic organisms. This means that they have a
membrane-enclosed nucleus. Other characteristic features of Kingdom Protista are as follows:
1. These are usually aquatic, present in the soil or in areas with moisture.
2. Most protist species are unicellular organisms, however, there are a few multicellular protists such as
kelp. Some species of kelp grow so large that they exceed over 100 feet in height. (Giant Kelp).
3. Just like any other eukaryote, the cells of these species have a nucleus and membrane-bound
organelles.
4. They may be autotrophic or heterotrophic in nature. An autotrophic organism can create its own food
and survive. A heterotrophic organism, on the other hand, has to derive nutrition from other
organisms such as plants or animals to survive.
5. Symbiosis is observed in the members of this class. For instance, kelp (seaweed) is a multicellular
protist that provides otters, protection from predators amidst its thick kelp. In turn, the otters eat sea
urchins that tend to feed on kelp.
6. Parasitism is also observed in protists. Species such as Trypanosoma protozoa can cause sleeping
sickness in humans.
7. Protists exhibit locomotion through cilia and flagella. A few organisms belonging to the kingdom
Protista have pseudopodia that help them to move.
8. Protista reproduces by asexual means. The sexual method of reproduction is extremely rare and
occurs only during times of stress.
Kingdom Monera belongs to the prokaryote family. The organisms belonging to this kingdom do not contain
a true nucleus. These are the oldest known microorganisms on earth. Their DNA is not enclosed within the
nucleus.
They are unicellular organisms found mostly in a moist environment. They are found in hot springs,
snow, deep oceans, or as parasites in other organisms.
The monerans do not possess any membrane-bound organelles.
The important characteristics of Monera are mentioned below: