Summary

 Within 2:43 minutes viewers are able to learn the three domains of life on Earth (Bacteria, Archaea and Eukarya) along with the four kingdoms (Protists, Plants, Fungi and Animals). Organisms within the specific domains contain similar biological characteristics and live in comparable environmental conditions. This video is a great learning tool to learn the details relating to the three domains of life on Earth.

Why watch this video?

• Have you ever wondered how the earliest life forms were divided into domains and eventually different species?
• Have you ever been confused about the differences between the taxonomic groups categorizing life?
• Would you like to know the detailed difference between the three specific domains of life (Bacteria, Archaea and Eukarya)?

Key terms

• Bacteria – found almost everywhere, one of the oldest domain of life consisting of prokaryotes (single celled organisms that do not have a membrane bound nucleus). Some bacteria cause diseases, while others can be beneficial.
• Archaea- found in aquatic environments that lack oxygen or are too salty, hot, or acidic for other organisms
• Eukarya- organisms that have a membrane bound nucleus, usually with internal organelles. Domain Eukarya is further subdivided into four kingdoms: Protists, Plants, Fungi, and Animals

Loose ends

The final explanation of the four kingdoms making up Domain Eukarya could have included a few more details:

• Protists are the group within Eukarya including all organisms that are not green plants, fungi, or animals; usually unicellular microscopic organisms.
• Plants are multicellular, mainly photosynthetic eukaryotes of the kingdom Plantae.
• Fungi get their nutrients by decomposing other organisms. Common fungi include microorganisms such as yeasts, molds, and mushrooms.
• Animals are the final multicellular eukaryotes including cnidarians, sponges, lophotrochozoans, ecdysozoans, and deuterostomes.

Self-Test Questions