Kingdom Classification - Five Kingdom Classification

Classification is the process of grouping organisms based on similarities and differences. R.H. Whittaker proposed the Five Kingdom Classification in $1969$.

Basis of Classification: The primary criteria include cell structure (Prokaryotic vs Eukaryotic), body organization (Unicellular vs Multicellular), and mode of nutrition (Autotrophic vs Heterotrophic).

Kingdom Monera: Consists of unicellular, prokaryotic organisms that lack a defined nucleus. Examples include Bacteria and Cyanobacteria (Blue-green algae).

Kingdom Protista: Includes unicellular, eukaryotic organisms that possess a well-defined nucleus. Examples include $Amoeba$, $Euglena$, and $Paramecium$.

Kingdom Fungi: Mostly multicellular (except Yeast), eukaryotic, and heterotrophic (specifically saprophytic or parasitic). They possess a cell wall made of chitin.

Kingdom Plantae: Multicellular, eukaryotic, and autotrophic organisms. They contain chlorophyll and perform photosynthesis represented by $6CO_2 + 6H_2O \rightarrow C_6H_{12}O_6 + 6O_2$.

Kingdom Animalia: Multicellular, eukaryotic, and heterotrophic organisms that lack cell walls and generally show locomotion.

Binomial Nomenclature: Developed by Carolus Linnaeus, it gives every organism a two-part scientific name consisting of $Genus$ and $species$.