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.
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Creature Features - Pictures, facts and videos from a television series about pets, animals and the people who care for them.
Meta Description: [ Creature Features is an ABC Television series about pets, animals and the people who care for them. ]
The most graceful and exciting animal in the water . . . the MANTA at Socorro Islands on the Solmar V ... adventure ...
