In the earlier classification system, bacteria, fungi, ferns, gymnosperms and angiosperms are included under Plantae on the basis of

Options

A. mode of nutrition
B. Presence of similar type of DNA
C. unicellular and multicellular characters
D. Presence of cell wall.

Answer

**Step-by-Step Solution:**

1. **Understanding the Classification System**: In the earlier classification system, organisms were grouped based on certain characteristics. The question asks why bacteria, fungi, ferns, gymnosperms, and angiosperms were included in the kingdom Plantae.

2. **Identifying Common Features**: The key reason for including ferns, gymnosperms, and angiosperms in Plantae is that they exhibit typical plant characteristics such as the presence of chlorophyll and the ability to perform photosynthesis (autotrophic nutrition).

3. **Examining Bacteria and Fungi**: Bacteria and fungi are different from the typical plants because they lack chlorophyll and are heterotrophic, meaning they do not produce their own food. However, they were still classified under Plantae.

4. **Presence of Cell Wall**: One significant reason for the inclusion of bacteria and fungi in the Plantae kingdom is the presence of a cell wall. Both bacteria and fungi have cell walls, which is a characteristic feature of plants.

5. **Conclusion**: Therefore, the classification of bacteria, fungi, ferns, gymnosperms, and angiosperms under Plantae was primarily based on the presence of a cell wall, despite the differences in their modes of nutrition.

**Final Answer**: Bacteria, fungi, ferns, gymnosperms, and angiosperms were included under Plantae primarily due to the presence of a cell wall.

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