Animals are a major group of organisms, classified as the kingdom Animalia 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

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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.

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NYT > Business

For Banks, Wads of Cash and Loads of Trouble
By ERIC LIPTON and ANDREW MARTIN Sat, 04 Jul 2009 08:48:30 -0000
Bulk deposits from brokers fueled growth at smaller banks, but also led some to the brink, and beyond.
The Media Equation: A Publisher Stumbles Publicly at the Post
By DAVID CARR Sat, 04 Jul 2009 17:09:10 -0000
Katharine Weymouth decided to sell legitimacy, with her paper’s editorial integrity thrown in as a parting gift.
For Australian Winemakers, More Turns Out to Be Less
By MERAIAH FOLEY Sat, 04 Jul 2009 13:13:26 -0000
Australian winemakers are selling more wine but making less money per bottle.
Neighbor’s Shadow Still Large in Slovakia
By DAN BILEFSKY Sat, 04 Jul 2009 03:23:21 -0000
Slovakia still exudes uncertainty 16 years after its “velvet divorce” from the Czech Republic.
Internet Companies and Ad Agencies Go From Old Enemies to New Friends
By ERIC PFANNER Sat, 04 Jul 2009 05:43:12 -0000
The slowing growth in online advertising is pushing traditional ad agencies and Internet companies to work together.
Europe Tests Banks, and Worries
By MATTHEW SALTMARSH Sat, 04 Jul 2009 05:38:17 -0000
Germany and Spain are reluctant to publish the results, but other nations favor releasing an overview of the data.

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