Animal kingdom

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Animal Kingdom

The Animal Kingdom (Latin: Regnum Animalia) is a major group of multicellular eukaryotic organisms that are classified as the kingdom Animalia.

Pronunciation

  • IPA: /ˈænɪməl ˈkɪŋdəm/

Etymology

The term "Animal Kingdom" comes from the Latin animalis, meaning "having breath", and regnum, meaning "kingdom".

Characteristics

Members of the Animal Kingdom, known as animals, are characterized by their ability to move voluntarily, their lack of cell walls, and their heterotrophic mode of nutrition. They are also distinguished by their complex sensory and nervous systems, and their sexual reproduction.

Classification

The Animal Kingdom is divided into several phyla, including the Chordates, Arthropods, Molluscs, and Annelids, among others. Each phylum is further divided into classes, orders, families, genera, and species.

Evolution

The Animal Kingdom is believed to have evolved from a common eukaryotic ancestor approximately 800 million years ago. The first animals were likely similar to modern-day sponges.

See also

References


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