5 Kingdom Classification

You have studied the meaning and importance of classification in your previous class.You are also familiar with the hierarchy of classification.

Plants and animals exhibit considerable diversity at the cellular level. During the evolution of organisms, diversity has occured in the structure and functions of the cells. For example, algae are generally aquatic, and the lower group of algae are unicellular, filamentous or colonial in their forms. The higher algae like Kelp and Sargassum are multicellular. Plants are deep rooted and widely branched. They have longer life span and show diversity in reproduction.

You have learnt about the diversity in the structure and function of the lower plants and animals in your previous classes. Let us now study the classification of higher plants and animals.

The following scheme represents the major groups of organisms under the 5 kingdom classification :

Classification of Plants:Important groups -Non-Vascular plants - Multicellular Algae-Bryophytes; Vascular plants - Pteridophytes-Gymnosperms - Angiosperms.

Classification of Animals: Vertebrata - General Characters; Important classes- Pisces-Amphibia - Reptllia - Aves - Mammalia.