Florida Biology EOC Practice Test

Which kingdom is mostly multicellular, eukaryotic, heterotrophic, and consists of decomposers with cell walls made of chitin?

1. Animalia

2. Bacteria

3. Fungi

4. Protista

The correct answer is: Animalia

The correct response is that the kingdom primarily characterized by being multicellular, eukaryotic, heterotrophic, consisting of decomposers, and having cell walls made of chitin is Fungi. Fungi play a crucial ecological role as decomposers, breaking down organic material and recycling nutrients in the ecosystem. Their multicellular structure, which includes organisms like mushrooms, is fundamental to their ability to form complex fruiting bodies. Additionally, their cell walls are uniquely made of chitin, a component that is different from the cellulose found in plants. This chitinous structure not only differentiates fungi from plants but also enhances their ability to thrive in various environments. In contrast, the Animalia kingdom includes organisms that are multicellular and eukaryotic but are primarily heterotrophic in a different way, involving ingestion rather than absorption. Bacteria are mostly unicellular and prokaryotic, lacking true nuclei and complex cellular structures. Protista represents a diverse group that may include unicellular and simple multicellular eukaryotes, but they do not share the specific characteristics outlined in your question—especially regarding the presence of chitin.