eläinkunnilla

Eläinkunnilla is a Finnish term that translates to "animal kingdom" or "the realm of animals." It refers to the biological kingdom Animalia, encompassing all multicellular eukaryotic organisms that are heterotrophic, meaning they obtain nutrients by consuming other organisms. This broad classification includes a vast diversity of life forms, from the simplest sponges to the most complex mammals.

The animal kingdom is characterized by several key features. Animals are generally motile, at least at some stage in their life cycle, allowing them to seek food, escape predators, and find mates. They are also differentiated into tissues, organs, and organ systems, enabling specialized functions. Reproduction in animals is typically sexual, though some species can also reproduce asexually.

Within the animal kingdom, organisms are further classified into phyla based on fundamental body plans and evolutionary relationships. Major phyla include Chordata (animals with a notochord, such as vertebrates), Arthropoda (insects, spiders, crustaceans), Mollusca (snails, clams, squids), and Echinodermata (starfish, sea urchins). The study of these diverse organisms and their interactions is the domain of zoology.