Animals are living organisms that belong to the kingdom Animalia. They are multicellular, eukaryotic organisms that are typically characterized by their ability to move, consume organic material for energy, breathe oxygen, reproduce sexually or asexually, and exhibit some form of complex nervous system. Animals are classified into various groups based on shared characteristics, including vertebrates (animals with a backbone, such as mammals, birds, reptiles, amphibians, and fish) and invertebrates (animals without a backbone, such as insects, mollusks, and arachnids).
Most animals are heterotrophic, meaning they rely on other organisms for food, and they play vital roles in ecosystems as predators, prey, and decomposers. Animals have diverse adaptations to their environments, which allow them to thrive in various habitats, from deep oceans to arid deserts. The study of animals encompasses a wide range of scientific disciplines, including biology, ecology, and zoology, and is crucial for understanding biodiversity and the interconnections within ecosystems.
Tao, a young Asian elephant at Maruyama Zoo, represents resilience after recovering from a tail injury. The injury occurred when her tail got caught in a chain meant for suspending…