Outline how living organisms are classified into the five kingdoms, referring to features used to distinguish between them.
Written & reviewed by James Millett — Biology (Imperial College London), PGCE Science (University of Cambridge).
Model answer (4 marks)
Organisms are divided into five kingdoms:
1. Prokaryotae (Monera) – unicellular, no nucleus or membrane‑bound organelles.
2. Protoctista – mostly unicellular or simple multicellular, with a nucleus.
3. Fungi – multicellular (except yeasts), cell walls of chitin, obtain nutrients by saprotrophic absorption of dead material.
4. Plantae – multicellular, contain chlorophyll, perform photosynthesis, have cell walls of cellulose.
5. Animalia – multicellular, no cell wall, obtain nutrients by ingestion.
1. Prokaryotae (Monera) – unicellular, no nucleus or membrane‑bound organelles.
2. Protoctista – mostly unicellular or simple multicellular, with a nucleus.
3. Fungi – multicellular (except yeasts), cell walls of chitin, obtain nutrients by saprotrophic absorption of dead material.
4. Plantae – multicellular, contain chlorophyll, perform photosynthesis, have cell walls of cellulose.
5. Animalia – multicellular, no cell wall, obtain nutrients by ingestion.
Examiner tips
- Use the exact kingdom names and key distinguishing features (cell type, nucleus, cell wall, nutrition).
- Keep the answer concise – one sentence per kingdom is enough for full marks.
Common mistakes
- Confusing the cell wall material of fungi (chitin) with that of plants (cellulose).
- Omitting that Monera are unicellular and lack a nucleus.
Mark scheme (4 marks)
- Organisms are divided into five kingdoms: Prokaryotae (Monera), Protoctista, Fungi, Plantae and Animalia
- Prokaryotae / Monera are unicellular organisms that lack a nucleus / have no membrane-bound nucleus
- Fungi have a cell wall made of chitin and feed by saprotrophic nutrition / absorbing nutrients from dead/decaying material
- Plants are multicellular and contain chlorophyll / are able to photosynthesise, whereas animals are multicellular, have no cell wall and obtain nutrients by ingestion
Key terms in this question
Related
- All Eduqas GCSE Biology revision notes →
- How to answer a "Outline" question →
- Decode the mark scheme abbreviations →
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