In the two-kingdom system of classification, why were fungi originally placed in the kingdom Plantae?

• A. Because fungi perform photosynthesis like plants.
• B. Because fungi have animal-like nutrition.
• C. Because fungi reproduce only by seeds like plants.
• D. Because fungi, like plants, are non-motile and have cell walls.

Answer: (D)

Verified step by step guidance

1. Understand the historical context of the two-kingdom system of classification, which originally divided all organisms into Plantae and Animalia based on basic characteristics like motility and cell structure.
2. Recognize that fungi were initially grouped with plants because they share certain structural features, such as being non-motile (unable to move) and having cell walls, which are traits not found in animals.
3. Clarify that fungi do not perform photosynthesis like plants; instead, they obtain nutrients through absorption, which is a key difference between fungi and plants.
4. Explain that fungi reproduce through spores, not seeds, which further distinguishes them from plants, but this was not a criterion in the two-kingdom system.
5. Conclude that the placement of fungi in the kingdom Plantae was based on superficial similarities, such as their non-motility and presence of cell walls, rather than a deeper understanding of their unique biological processes.