ivotinje

Iivotinje are living multicellular organisms that belong to the kingdom Animalia in biology. They are distinguished from other life forms by traits such as heterotrophy, development through embryogenesis, and, in most species, movement at some life stage.

Key characteristics: Animals are eukaryotic, multicellular, and lack rigid cell walls. Most animals reproduce sexually, though some species can reproduce asexually. They typically display tissues and organ systems that support feeding, digestion, circulation, respiration, and nervous coordination.

Diversity and classification: The animal kingdom includes major groups such as invertebrates (arthropods, mollusks, annelids, cnidarians, echinoderms, sponges) and vertebrates (fishes, amphibians, reptiles, birds, mammals). There are more than a million described species; estimates of total diversity are higher and vary widely.

Ecology and conservation: Animals inhabit nearly every habitat and play essential ecological roles as consumers, predators, prey, pollinators, and decomposers. They form complex ecosystems and interact with plants and other organisms. Many animal species are threatened by habitat loss, climate change, pollution, and overexploitation, prompting global conservation efforts.

Human relevance: Animals provide food, clothing, labor, companionship, and scientific value as model organisms. The study of animals underpins biology, medicine, agriculture, and conservation, while humans also influence animal welfare and biodiversity through policy and practice.