Comparing the Kingdoms
DISCUSSION QUESTION - For a long time, fungi (mushrooms, etc.) were classified in the plant kingdom. Eventually, they were placed into their own kingdom (Kingdom Fungi). List some reasons that they are similar to plants. Then list some reasons that they are different from plants.
Possible Answers:
*Similarities - both fungi and plants are multicellular and have cell walls; neither move from place to place
*Differences - cells walls in each are made from different materials; plants make their own food (autotrophic), while fungi can't (heterotrophic)
SYNTHESIS QUESTION - Make a table listing the 5 kingdoms in the first column, a characteristic for each kingdom in the second column, and an example organism for each kingdom in the third column.
Monera
1 cell; no nucleus
bacteria
Protista
1 cell; nucleus
amoeba, diatom
Fungi
many cells; heterotrophic;
can't move from place to place
mushroom,
yeast
Plantae
many cells; autotrophic; can't move from place to place
grass, corn, tree
Animalia
many cells; heterotrophic; usually can move
spider, bear, bird, human
