Whittaker's five kingdom classification is based on

Options

A. Complexity of cell structure and body structure
B. Mode of nutrition
C. Ecological status and Phylogenetic relationship
D. All the above

Answer

**Step-by-Step Solution:**

1. **Understanding Whittaker's Classification**: Whittaker proposed a five-kingdom classification system that categorizes living organisms based on several criteria.

2. **Criteria for Classification**: The five-kingdom classification is based on:
- **Complexity of Cell Structure**: This refers to whether the organism is prokaryotic (like bacteria) or eukaryotic (like plants and animals).
- **Body Structure**: This involves the organization of the organism, whether it is unicellular or multicellular.
- **Mode of Nutrition**: Organisms can be classified based on how they obtain their food, such as autotrophic (producing their own food) or heterotrophic (relying on other organisms for food).
- **Ecological Status**: This refers to the habitat and ecological role of the organism in its environment.
- **Phylogenetic Relationship**: This involves the evolutionary history and relationships among organisms.

3. **Conclusion**: Since all the mentioned criteria are considered in Whittaker's five-kingdom classification, the correct answer to the question is "all of the above."

**Final Answer**: Whittaker's five kingdom classification is based on complexity of cell structure, body structure, mode of nutrition, ecological status, and phylogenetic relationship – hence, the answer is "all of the above."

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