What are the differences between two kingdom classification and five kingdom classification?

Answer 1

The two kingdom system was initially fined by Carl Linnaeus in 1735. It was originally based upon morphology and other physical characteristics. Modern scientists have altered the classification to a new system of six kingdoms based upon modern science's ability to better compare and define the genetic structures of living things. A new rDNA comparison analysis led to the development of the three domain and six kingdom classification.

The two kingdoms in the original system defined by Linnaeus were:

1. Animalia (animal)
2. Vegetabilia (vegetable or plant)

The five kingdoms were defined in 1969 by Robert Whittaker. Called the binomial nomenclature, it is no longer in use:

1. Animalia (animal)
2. Plantae (plant)
3. Fungi (fungi)
4. Protista (comprised by various one-celled animals)
5. Monera

The modern classification uses the following six Kingdoms:

1. Protista
2. Animalia
3. Fungi
4. Plantae
5. Archaebacteria
6. Eubacteria

Monera was split into the Kingdoms above listed as #5 and #6.

The modern system has also expanded to three domains instead of the original two:

1. Archaea
2. Prokarya
3. Eukarya

Potential future systems of classification:

Modern scientific technologies have aided the design of the newest classification of six Kingdoms using gene sequencing, and it is predicted that eventually the system may expand to as many as 30 or more Kingdoms.

See related questions below for additional information on taxonomy.