Animals are living organisms that belong to the kingdom Animalia. They are multicellular, eukaryotic, and heterotrophic, meaning they obtain energy by consuming other organisms or organic matter.
Animals have a wide range of adaptations to survive in various habitats. They evolved different anatomical, physiological, and behavioral features to suit their needs. For example, mammals have hair or fur to regulate body temperature, while birds have feathers for flight and insulation.
Classification of animals is based on their characteristics, including body structure, reproduction, and genetic relationships. They are divided into different phyla, such as Arthropoda, Chordata, and Mollusca. Within these phyla, there are further divisions, such as classes, orders, families, genera, and species.
Animals play an important role in ecosystems. They contribute to pollination, seed dispersal, nutrient cycling, and pest control. They also provide food, fiber, and medicine to humans. However, habitat destruction, pollution, climate change, and overexploitation pose significant threats to animal populations and biodiversity.
