Eläimeksi

"Eläimeksi" is a Finnish word that translates to "animal" in English. It refers to any member of the animal kingdom, which is a broad category of living organisms that are multicellular, eukaryotic, and heterotrophic. Animals are characterized by their ability to move, respond to stimuli, and grow from a hollow ball of cells, known as a blastula. They are also distinguished by their lack of cell walls, which allows for more flexible and dynamic structures.

The animal kingdom is divided into several major groups, including vertebrates and invertebrates. Vertebrates are animals with a backbone or spinal column, such as mammals, birds, reptiles, amphibians, and fish. Invertebrates, on the other hand, do not have a backbone and include a vast array of species, such as insects, mollusks, arthropods, and cnidarians.

Animals play a crucial role in various ecosystems, serving as both predators and prey, and contributing to nutrient cycling and biodiversity. They also have significant economic and cultural importance, providing food, fiber, and companionship, as well as inspiring art, literature, and scientific research. The study of animals is known as zoology, and it encompasses a wide range of disciplines, including anatomy, physiology, behavior, and conservation biology.