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 ]
Carolina Veterinary Specialists - Practice with locations in Greensboro and Charlotte. Specialists in dermatology, internal medicine, surgery, oncology, opthalmology, radiology, and critical care.
500NC Breeders - Online classifieds connecting animals across North Carolina.
Meta Description: [ The entry page to NCBREEDERS.COM. Connecting animal people across North Carolina through affordable advertising. ]