Animals are diverse multicellular eukaryotes that are characterized by their ability to consume organic material, breathe oxygen, and move. They are found in virtually every habitat on Earth and exhibit a vast array of forms and functions. Animals are typically classified into vertebrates (with backbones) and invertebrates (without backbones), with invertebrates making up the vast majority of animal species.
Animals are distinguished from other living things, such as plants, by their ability to move and their reliance on external sources of food. Unlike plants, which produce their own food through photosynthesis, animals must obtain nutrients by consuming other organisms. This ability to move allows animals to find food, mates, and shelter, as well as escape from predators.
The animal kingdom is incredibly diverse, with millions of different species inhabiting a wide range of environments, from the deepest oceans to the highest mountains. Scientists continue to study and classify these creatures, learning more about their unique adaptations and the roles they play in the complex web of life on Earth.
