IGCSE Biology glossary
Kingdom
Biology editorial review is supported by the named review panel. Reviewer participation may vary by guide. Checked against Cambridge IGCSE Biology 0610 (2026–2028); last reviewed August 2026.
Definition
The highest level of classification used at IGCSE that divides organisms into five groups: animals, plants, fungi, protoctists and prokaryotes. Each kingdom is defined by shared fundamental features such as cell structure, nutrition type and body organisation.
What to include in an exam answer
Know the distinguishing features of each kingdom. Plants are autotrophic with cellulose cell walls; fungi are heterotrophic with chitin cell walls and reproduce by spores; prokaryotes have no true nucleus.
Example in context
State two features of organisms in the fungi kingdom (2 marks): They have cell walls made of chitin, and they are heterotrophic, feeding by secreting enzymes onto organic matter and absorbing the products (saprotrophic nutrition).
Related syllabus topic
Characteristics & classification of living organisms