Each of the following characteristics represent aKingdom proposed by Whittaker. Arrange thefollowing in increasing order of complexity of bodyorganization.A. Multicellular heterotrophs with cell wall madeof chitin.B. Heterotrophs with tissue/organ/organ systemlevel of body organization.C. Prokaryotes with cell wall made ofpolysaccharides and amino acids.D. Eukaryotic autotrophs with tissue/organ levelof body organization.E. Eukaryotes with cellular body organization.Choose the correct answer from the options givenbelow:
Answer
Increasing Order of Body Complexity Based on Whittaker’s 5 Kingdom Classification
Whittaker’s system classifies all living organisms into five kingdoms based on cell structure, body organization, mode of nutrition, and complexity. The progression from simple to complex forms is summarized below:
1. Kingdom Monera (Prokaryotes with Cell Wall)
- Type of organisms: Prokaryotes (cells without a true nucleus).
- Body organization: Unicellular, with cell walls made of peptidoglycan.
- Complexity level: Simplest form of life, lacking membrane-bound organelles.
- Examples: Bacteria, cyanobacteria (blue-green algae).
2. Kingdom Protista (Eukaryotes with Cellular Body Organization)
- Type of organisms: Eukaryotes (cells with a nucleus and membrane-bound organelles).
- Body organization: Mostly unicellular or simple multicellular; no true tissues.
- Complexity level: More complex than Monera but still basic in terms of body structure.
- Examples: Amoeba, Paramecium, Euglena, certain algae.
3. Kingdom Fungi (Multicellular Heterotrophs with Chitinous Cell Wall)
- Type of organisms: Eukaryotic, multicellular, heterotrophic.
- Body organization: Organized into hyphae forming mycelium, with chitin in cell walls.
- Complexity level: Higher than Protista; organisms can form reproductive structures.
- Examples: Mushrooms, molds, yeasts.
4. Kingdom Plantae (Eukaryotic Autotrophs with Tissue/Organ Level)
- Type of organisms: Multicellular, autotrophic (photosynthetic), with cellulose cell walls.
- Body organization: Well-developed tissues and organs; vascular systems for nutrient and water transport.
- Complexity level: High structural and functional organization.
- Examples: Mosses, ferns, flowering plants, conifers.
5. Kingdom Animalia (Heterotrophs with Tissue/Organ/Organ System Level)
- Type of organisms: Multicellular, eukaryotic, heterotrophic.
- Body organization: Complex, with specialized tissues, organs, and organ systems (e.g., nervous, digestive, circulatory).
- Complexity level: Most complex organisms in terms of structure and function.
- Examples: Insects, mammals, birds, fishes, reptiles.
This classification sequence—from Monera to Animalia—reflects a gradual increase in structural and functional complexity, illustrating the evolutionary transition from simple, unicellular life forms to complex multicellular organisms with highly specialized systems.