Taxonomy is the science of naming living things. Domains and kingdoms are categories used to group organisms that are structurally and genetically similar.
Domains
Bacteria
These single-celled organisms are known as prokaryotes.
Example: Streptococcus (the bacteria that causes strep throat)
Archaea
Also single-celled organisms, but live in extreme environments like thermal vents found in the ocean floor.
Example: Sulfolobus (a microorganism that grows in volcanic springs)
Eukaryotes
Sometimes multicellular, these organisms contain complex cells that have organelles and a nucleus to contain genetic information.
Example: Humans
Kingdoms
Plantae
Multicellular organisms that are able to convert light energy as a part of the food production.
Example: Pine Tree
Animalia
Multicellular organisms that have complex cell structures and consume other organisms for food.
Example: Tiger
Monera
A type of single-celled organism, monera are organisms that are types of archaea and bacteria.
Example: Bacteria
Protists
Single-celled organisms that can move independently in water environments.
Example: Amoeba
Fungi
Multi-celled organisms that have many similarities to organisms in the kingdom plantae but are unable to produce their own food.
Example: Mushrooms
Image:
An example of the kingdom Animalia, a tiger.