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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.

Here are some 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).

Currently, scientists debate the number of kingdoms that should be used in classifying living organisms. For this assignment, you are to research the five kingdoms (monera, protist, fungi, plant, and animal.) You may use a library, or the Internet to find your knowledge. From the information you obtain, create a table listing the five 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. A possible answer for this information is listed below:

Kingdom
Characteristics
Examples
Monera 1 cell; no nucleus

bacteria

Protist 1 cell; nucleus

amoeba, diatom

Fungi many cells; heterotrophic;
can't move from place to place

mushroom,
yeast

Plant many cells; autotrophic; can't move from place to place

grass, corn, tree

Animal many cells; heterotrophic; usually can move

spider, bear, bird, human

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Updated August 11, 2005 by: Glen Westbroek

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