Fungi and plants are classified in different kingdoms because they have different evolutionary origins and significant differences in their biological characteristics.
Fungi belong to the kingdom Fungi and are essentially heterotrophic organisms, meaning they rely on obtaining nutrients from other sources. Fungi secrete enzymes that break down organic matter outside of their bodies, and then absorb the resulting nutrients. They also have cell walls made of chitin, and reproduce primarily through spores.
Plants, on the other hand, belong to the kingdom Plantae and are primarily autotrophic, meaning they are capable of producing their own food through photosynthesis. They have cell walls made of cellulose, and reproduce through seeds or spores as well, but also thual reproduction involving flowers and pollination.
Additionally, fungi do not have chlorophyll and cannot perform photosynthesis, while plants have chlorophyll and can convert sunlight into energy through photosynthesis. These significant differences in their biology and nutritional strategies justify their classification into separate kingdoms.
Why are fungi and plants classified in different kingdom.
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