Life on Earth is astonishingly varied, from single-celled microbes thriving in boiling springs to towering trees and sentient animals. To make sense of that endless variety, people have always tried to sort living things into groups.
This sorting system, known as taxonomy, helps scientists talk about life with shared language instead of confusion. What once seemed like a simple split between plants and animals grew into a more detailed structure, where each kingdom represents a broad way of living.
Most textbooks state that all living things can be divided into six kingdoms. So, what are they? Click on to find out.