Explain basis of grouping organisms into …

R.H Whittaker proposed five kingdom classifications of living organisms which include:

1. Monera
2. Protista
3. Fungi
4. Plantae
5. Animalia

The basis of grouping organisms into five kingdoms is as follows:

• Cell Structure: There are two broad categories of cell structure: eukaryotes and prokaryotes. All prokaryotes come under the kingdom Monera and rest all are kept in other kingdoms.
• Number of cells: It divides into unicellular and multicellular. Unicellular eukaryotes are kept in the kingdom Protista, while multicellular eukaryotes are kept in other kingdoms.
• Mode and source of nutrition and Cell wall: Organisms are divided into autotrophic and heterotrophic based on mode of nutrition. Heterotrophic organisms in which cell wall is present are taken under the kingdom fungi. Autotrophic organisms in which cell wall is present are taken in the kingdom Plantae. Organisms in which cell wall is absent are taken in the kingdom Animalia.