How many criteria were used by Whittaker for classification.

Correct option is D

The correct answer is (d) 5

R.H. Whittaker used five criteria for the classification of organisms into his Five Kingdom System:

1. Cell Structure: Differentiating organisms based on whether they are prokaryotic or eukaryotic.
2. Body Organization: Based on the complexity of body structure (unicellular or multicellular).
3. Mode of Nutrition: Categorizing organisms as autotrophic (producers) or heterotrophic (consumers or decomposers).
4. Reproduction: Considering sexual and asexual modes of reproduction.
5. Phylogenetic Relationships: Evolutionary history and relationships among organisms.

Whittaker's Five Kingdoms:

• Monera: Prokaryotes (e.g., bacteria).
• Protista: Unicellular eukaryotes.
• Fungi: Heterotrophic decomposers.
• Plantae: Autotrophic multicellular organisms.
• Animalia: Heterotrophic multicellular organisms.

Additional Information:

• Monera:

  • Includes prokaryotes like bacteria and cyanobacteria.
  • Unicellular organisms with no membrane-bound nucleus.

• Protista:

  • Eukaryotic, mostly unicellular (e.g., amoeba, algae).
  • Can be autotrophic or heterotrophic.

• Fungi:

  • Multicellular (except yeast), heterotrophic decomposers (e.g., mushrooms).
  • Cell walls made of chitin.

• Plantae:

  • Multicellular, autotrophic organisms (e.g., trees, grasses).
  • Perform photosynthesis using chlorophyll.

• Animalia:

  • Multicellular, heterotrophic organisms (e.g., mammals, birds).
  • Lack cell walls and exhibit complex body organization.