Eläinkuntaan

Eläinkuntaan refers to the Animal Kingdom, the highest taxonomic rank that encompasses all living or extinct animals. It is one of the two kingdoms of multicellular organisms, the other being Plantae. Animals are characterized by being heterotrophic, meaning they obtain nutrients by consuming other organisms. They are also typically eukaryotic, multicellular, and possess specialized tissues and organs. Reproduction in animals is predominantly sexual, though asexual reproduction also occurs in some species.

The Animal Kingdom is incredibly diverse, ranging from simple sponges and jellyfish to complex vertebrates like mammals and birds. This diversity is reflected in a vast array of body plans, life cycles, and ecological roles. Animals inhabit nearly every environment on Earth, from the deepest oceans to the highest mountains, and from arid deserts to lush rainforests. Their evolutionary history is a long and complex journey, with the earliest animal life forms appearing in the Precambrian era.

Classification within Eläinkuntaan is based on evolutionary relationships, with major divisions including invertebrates (animals without a backbone) and vertebrates (animals with a backbone). Invertebrates constitute the vast majority of animal species and include groups like insects, arachnids, mollusks, and crustaceans. Vertebrates, while fewer in number, are often more familiar to humans and include fish, amphibians, reptiles, birds, and mammals. The study of animals, known as zoology, explores their biology, behavior, evolution, and interactions with their environment.