Monera, Protista & Fungi (Classification of Living Things series) 2000
Distributed by Films for the Humanities and Sciences, Box 2053, Princeton, NJ, 08543-2053; 800-257-5126
Produced by Cambridge International
Directed by Patti Winters
VHS, color, 30 min.
High School - Adult
Biology
Date Entered: 11/09/2018
Reviewed by Buzz Haughton, Shields Library, University of California at DavisUntil the 1960s, taxonomists recognized only two kingdoms among the variety of lifeforms on earth: plants and animals. Now there are five: Monera (single-celled organisms that are prokaryotic, i.e. lack cellular nuclei), Protista (mostly single-celled organisms that are eukaryotic, i.e. have cell nuclei), Fungi, Plantae and Animalia. This video gives a brief description of the first three of these kingdoms.
The video has some arresting visuals of these little-known and yet ubiquitous lifeforms, as well as interviews with several biologists, who explain the kingdoms' similarities and differences. They also also explain the importance and function of the classification of lifeforms--taxonomy--to life scientists.
The video is appropriate for basic undergraduate non-book collections in the life sciences. Recommended