Five kingdoms and three domainsSpec 4.7
Living things were traditionally sorted into five kingdoms: animals, plants, fungi, protists and prokaryotes. This was based on the structure and features of organisms that could be observed.
Improved methods of genetic analysis (comparing the genetic material of different organisms) showed that the prokaryotes are not all closely related. This led to a new system of three domains, which sits above the kingdoms.
| Domain | Organisms |
|---|---|
| Archaea | Prokaryotes that are genetically very different from bacteria |
| Bacteria | 'True' bacteria (prokaryotes) |
| Eukarya | Organisms with a nucleus: protists, fungi, plants and animals |
Quick check
Which is older, Ardi or Lucy?
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Ardi (4.4 million years ago; Lucy is 3.2 million years ago).
How are stone tools dated from their environment?
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By finding the age of the rock layer, or materials found with them, in which they were buried.
Name the five kingdoms.
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Animals, plants, fungi, protists and prokaryotes.
What are the three domains?
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Archaea, Bacteria and Eukarya.