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The openstax biology textbook by Rice University says: For example, after the common beginning of all life, scientists divide organisms into three large categories called domains: Bacteria, Archaea, and Eukarya.

But the latest edition of the Indian biology textbook (grade 11) speaks of a Five Kingdom Classification: Monera, Protista, Fungi, Plantae, and Animalia. It also says: Bacteria are the sole members of the Kingdom Monera.

Which of these is correct? Are bacteria members of Kingdom Monera or a separate domain by themselves?

User Marcelog
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Final answer:

Both the three-domain system and the five-kingdom classification are correct; bacteria are categorized as their own domain in the former, and they belong to the Kingdom Monera in the latter. The domain system, which includes Bacteria, Archaea, and Eukarya, is more widely accepted among scientists today due to its genetic and biochemical evidence base.

Step-by-step explanation:

Both the domains-based classification system and the five-kingdom classification system are valid; however, they represent different levels of taxonomic organization. The three-domain system divides organisms into Bacteria, Archaea, and Eukarya, and is based on genetic and biochemical criteria. This includes differences in the structure of cell membranes and in ribosomal RNA (rRNA). In this system, bacteria are categorized in their own domain.

Conversely, the five-kingdom classification includes Monera (for prokaryotic organisms, which includes bacteria), Protista, Fungi, Plantae, and Animalia. Within this older classification system, bacteria belong solely to the Kingdom Monera. The five-kingdom system is taught in some educational curricula but has largely been succeeded by the domain system as it provides a more accurate representation of phylogenetic relationships among organisms.

User Iceburg
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