Why Fungi Are Neither Plants Nor Animals: Understanding Fungal Classification
Discover why fungi can't be classified as plants or animals due to their unique biological traits.
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Fungi do not fit into plant or animal categories because they have distinct biological characteristics. Unlike plants, fungi do not perform photosynthesis. Unlike animals, fungi absorb nutrients from other organic material through external digestion. They have unique cell walls made of chitin, separating them into their own kingdom.
FAQs & Answers
- What are the key differences between fungi and plants? Fungi absorb nutrients through external digestion and do not perform photosynthesis unlike plants.
- What kingdom do fungi belong to? Fungi belong to their own kingdom, distinct from plants and animals.
- Why is chitin significant in fungi? Chitin is a major component of fungal cell walls, giving them structural support and distinguishing them from plants.
- Can fungi be classified as a plant or an animal? No, fungi cannot be classified as either due to their unique characteristics and nutritional methods.