Animals are a major group of organisms, classified as the kingdomAnimalia or Metazoa. In general they are multicellular, capable of locomotion, responsive to their environment, and feed by consuming other organisms. Their body plan becomes fixed as they develop, usually early on in their development as embryos, although some undergo a process of metamorphosis later on.
The word "animal" comes from the Latin word animal, of which animalia is the plural, and ultimately from anima, meaning vital breath or soul.
Characteristics
Animals have several characteristics that set them apart from other living things. Animals are eukaryotic and usually multicellular (although see Myxozoa), which separates them from bacteria and most protists. They are heterotrophic, generally digesting food in an internal chamber, which separates them from plants and algae. They are also distinguished from plants, algae, and fungi by lacking cell walls.
More on [ Animal ]
Dubois Distributors, Inc. - Offers animal health products and veterinarian supplies for care of pets and companion animals. Includes company history, catalog with prices (pdf), and a trade show schedule. Locations in Huntingburg, Mentone, and Saint Paul.
Meta Description: [ Animal health products and veterinarian supplies for care of pets and companion animals - dogs, cats, horses - and production livestock - cattle, swine, poultry, dairy, goats, calves and sheep. ]
404Indiana Animal Damage Control Association - Information to help the general public find qualified people to resolve wildlife issues.
Meta Description: [ Indiana Animal Damage Control Association web page ]