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Biological Classification & Kingdom Monera Explained

Biological Classification & Kingdom Monera Explained Biological Classification & Kingdom Monera Explained

Explore the evolution of classification systems in biology and dive deep into Kingdom Monera, its types, and significance.

Table of Contents

Evolution of Classification Systems

Aristotle to Whittaker

The earliest classification system was proposed by Aristotle, grouping organisms based on visible traits. Later, Linnaeus developed the Two Kingdom system: Plantae and Animalia. This model proved inadequate as more organisms were discovered.

Whittaker's Five Kingdom Classification

In 1969, R.H. Whittaker proposed the Five Kingdom system: Monera, Protista, Fungi, Plantae, and Animalia. Criteria included cell structure, nutrition, reproduction, and phylogeny.

Kingdom Monera

Overview

Kingdom Monera includes prokaryotic, unicellular organisms like bacteria. These are the most primitive and abundant organisms on Earth, showing diverse shapes and metabolic strategies.

Types of Bacteria

  • Coccus (spherical)
  • Bacillus (rod-shaped)
  • Spirillum (spiral)
  • Vibrio (comma-shaped)

Archaebacteria

Characteristics

Archaebacteria are ancient bacteria found in extreme habitats like hot springs and salty lakes. Their unique cell wall composition allows them to survive in such conditions.

Examples

  • Halophiles (salty areas)
  • Thermoacidophiles (hot springs)
  • Methanogens (ruminant guts – produce methane)

Eubacteria

Features

Known as “true bacteria”, eubacteria have rigid cell walls and may be motile with flagella. Cyanobacteria (blue-green algae) are photosynthetic and play roles in nitrogen fixation.

Importance

  • Used in curd production
  • Decomposers
  • Fix nitrogen
  • Pathogens (cholera, typhoid)

FAQs

Q1: What are the five kingdoms of classification?
Ans: Monera, Protista, Fungi, Plantae, Animalia.
Q2: Who proposed the Five Kingdom Classification?
Ans: R.H. Whittaker in 1969.
Q3: What type of organisms are in Monera?
Ans: Unicellular prokaryotes like bacteria.
Q4: What are methanogens?
Ans: Archaebacteria that produce methane, found in ruminant guts.
Q5: Name four bacterial shapes.
Ans: Coccus, Bacillus, Spirillum, Vibrio.
Q6: What is the difference between Archaebacteria and Eubacteria?
Ans: Archaebacteria have unique cell walls and live in extreme conditions, while eubacteria have rigid cell walls and live in normal environments.
Q7: What is the cell structure of Monera organisms?
Ans: Organisms in Monera are prokaryotic, lacking a well-defined nucleus and membrane-bound organelles.
Q8: Are all Monerans autotrophic?
Ans: No, Monerans can be autotrophic (photosynthetic or chemosynthetic) or heterotrophic (saprophytic or parasitic).
Q9: What are cyanobacteria?
Ans: Cyanobacteria, or blue-green algae, are photosynthetic eubacteria that fix nitrogen and are found in aquatic environments.
Q10: What is the function of heterocysts in cyanobacteria?
Ans: Heterocysts are specialized cells in cyanobacteria that help fix atmospheric nitrogen.
Q11: What is a flagellum in bacteria?
Ans: A flagellum is a whip-like structure that helps bacteria in locomotion.
Q12: How do bacteria reproduce?
Ans: Bacteria primarily reproduce by binary fission and also through spore formation and primitive DNA transfer.
Q13: What are mycoplasmas?
Ans: Mycoplasmas are the smallest living cells that lack a cell wall and can survive without oxygen.
Q14: Which diseases are caused by bacteria?
Ans: Cholera, typhoid, tetanus, and citrus canker are caused by different bacteria.
Q15: Why is classification important in biology?
Ans: Classification helps in understanding relationships among organisms, organizing diversity, and making study easier and systematic.
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