Basic characteristics of Animals

Animals are the most advanced among all the kingdoms’ organisms.  They exhibit complex chemical organization, metabolic process, behavior, and life functions that make them different from all other life forms.

The following are basic characteristics of organisms belonging to Kingdom Animalia:

1.      Animals are heterotrophic, meaning they depend on other organisms for food.  Unlike plants and other photosynthetic organisms, animals do not contain chlorophyll that is essential in food production.

2.      All animals are multicellular.  Their cells are highly specialized to perform specific functions, such as digestion, movement, reproduction, and excretion.

3.      Animal cells are eukaryotic, meaning they have a well-defined nucleus.  They also have membrane-bound organelles.

4.      Many animals are motile.  They move from place to place in search of food, mate, a better place to live, and to avoid danger.

5.      Most animals exhibit sexual reproduction.  Each individual grows from a fertilized egg and passes through various distinct stages of embryonic development.

Related posts:

1. Taxonomy: Kingdom Monera
2. Taxonomy: Kingdom Protista
3. Taxonomy: Classification of Living Things
4. Taxonomy: Kingdom Mycetae (Fungi)
5. Taxonomy: Kingdom Plantae