The Three Domains of Life
Eukarya: This is the most familiar domain to us because it is made up of the kingdoms animalia (animals), plantae (plants), fungi, and protista. They have a huge diversity when it comes to form but they all share fundamental characteristics such as cellular organization and biochemistry.
Bacteria: This domain is made up of the eubacteria. It is most commonly known for the causes of disease in humans and animals, but it plays many other roles in life. Bacteria can produce certain antibiotics (streptomycin), help break down dead organic matter, make up the base of the food web in many environments, and much more. This domain is very important because of its unique characteristics of being extremely flexible, rapid growth, and extreme age.
Archaea: Archaebacteria is what makes up this domain. It was not scientifically recognized as a domain of life until very recently. They look similar to those or the bacteria domain, but the harsh and extreme conditions in which they live make them very different. Archaeans have been found living in hot springs, deep sea rift vents and even the digest systems of cows. Because of this it makes them one of the hardest domains to study.
No comments:
Post a Comment