Final answer:
The crucial characteristic for classifying organisms into the kingdom Eukarya is that they consist of one or more eukaryotic cells, which have a defined nucleus containing the organism's genetic material.
Step-by-step explanation:
Scientists use various characteristics to place organisms in the kingdom Eukarya, one of the three domains of life, in the process of taxonomy. The defining characteristic of the organisms within the kingdom Eukarya is that they are composed of eukaryotic cells. Whether these organisms are unicellular or multicellular, what distinguishes them is that their cells have internal, membrane-bound organelles, including a nucleus containing genetic material. Therefore, the answer to the question of which characteristic is used to place organisms in the kingdom Eukarya is that they are composed of one or more eukaryotic cells (Option C).