Question

Multicellular heterotrophs are placed in how many kingdoms by R. H. Whittaker?

• A. 4
• B. 3
• C. 1
• D. 2

Hint:

Whittaker separated heterotrophs into Fungi and Animalia based on absorptive and ingestive nutrition.

Answer 1

The Correct Option is D

Step 1: Understanding Whittaker’s five-kingdom classification.
R. H. Whittaker proposed a five-kingdom classification system based on cell structure, body organization, mode of nutrition, and reproduction.
Step 2: Identifying multicellular heterotrophs.
In this system, multicellular heterotrophs are divided into two separate kingdoms based on mode of nutrition.
Plantae are autotrophs, while multicellular heterotrophs are grouped under Fungi (absorptive nutrition) and Animalia (ingestive nutrition).
Step 3: Analysis of options.
(A) 4: Incorrect — too many kingdoms.
(B) 3: Incorrect — not as per Whittaker’s system.
(C) 1: Incorrect — heterotrophs are not placed in a single kingdom.
(D) 2: Correct — Fungi and Animalia.
Step 4: Conclusion.
According to R. H. Whittaker, multicellular heterotrophs are placed in two kingdoms.