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Before 1969: Life was classified into two kingdoms: Plant Kindgom Animal Kingdom
From 1969 1990: Life was classified into 5 Kingdoms: Monera, Protista, Plantae, Fungi,
Animalia, by R.H. Whittaker [Science 163, 150 (1969)] using classification according to
Linnaeus based on anatomy, morphology, embryology, and cell structure.
BUT the traditional 5 Kingdom system says nothing about how organisms within Kingdoms or
between kingdoms may be related to each other via evolutionary relationships among the
kingdoms.
Eubacteria are classified under the Bacteria domain and archaebacteria are classified as
Archaeans.
The Eukarya domain includes eukaryotes, or organisms that have a membrane bound nucleus.
This domain is further subdivided into the kingdoms Protista, Fungi, Plantae, and Animalia.
from bacteria, possess unique ancient evolutionary history for which they are considered some of
the oldest species of organisms on Earth; traditionally classified as archaebacteria; often
characterized by living in extreme environments. Some examples of archaeal organisms
are methanogens which produce the gas methane, halophiles which live in very salty water,
and thermoacidophiles which thrive in acidic high temperature water.
syphilis and Lyme disease, and Firmicutes Gram-positive bacteria including Bifidobacterium
animalis which is present in the human large intestine.
Domain Eukarya eukaryotes, organisms that contain a membrane bound nucleus. An
inexhaustive list of eukaryotic organisms includes:
Bryophyta mosses
Bacteria Domain
Eubacteria Kingdom
Eukarya Domain
Protista Kingdom
Fungi Kingdom
Plantae Kingdom
Animalia Kingdom
As we have seen, systems for classifying organisms change with new discoveries made over
time. The earliest systems recognized only two kingdoms (plant and animal).
The current Three Domain System is the best organizational system we have now, but as new
information is gained, a different system for classifying organisms may later be developed.