1. Basis of Classification
Classification helps in systematically studying diversity. Organisms are grouped based on
cell structure (Prokaryotic/Eukaryotic), body organization (Unicellular/Multicellular), and
mode of nutrition.
2. The Five Kingdom Classification (Whittaker)
- Monera: Prokaryotic, unicellular (e.g., Bacteria).
- Protista: Eukaryotic, unicellular (e.g., Amoeba).
- Fungi: Heterotrophic, eukaryotic (e.g., Yeast, Mushroom).
- Plantae: Multicellular, autotrophic (Plants).
- Animalia: Multicellular, heterotrophic (Animals).
3. Major Groups of Plants
Thallophyta, Bryophyta, Pteridophyta, Gymnosperms, and Angiosperms (Monocots/Dicots).
4. Major Phyla of Animals
Porifera, Coelenterata, Platyhelminthes, Nematoda, Annelida, Arthropoda, Mollusca,
Echinodermata, and Chordata (Pisces, Amphibia, Reptilia, Aves, Mammalia).