Kingdom - GCSE Biology Definition
Reviewed by: Lára Marie McIvor
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In GCSE Biology, the term 'Kingdom' describes one of the major groups into which all living things are classified. The system of classification, also known as taxonomy, helps scientists to organise and study the diversity of life. There are traditionally five kingdoms: Animals, Plants, Fungi, Protists, and Prokaryotes (which includes Bacteria). Each kingdom is defined by certain characteristics shared by the organisms within it, such as how they obtain food, the structure of their cells, and how they reproduce. Understanding kingdoms helps us learn about the evolutionary relationships between different forms of life and how they function within ecosystems.
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