Underpinning the plant and animal kingdoms is a group of organisms so basic-and alien-as to require three separate kingdoms of its own. This program explores the realms of Monera, Protista, and Fungi, spotlighting representative classes and species along the way. Topics covered include structure, habitat, means of obtaining energy and nutrients, reproduction, movement, behavior, life cycle, and relationships with other organisms.

Encoded with permission for digital streaming by Films Media Group on May 12, 2005.\\Part of the Films on Demand collection. Films on Demand is distributed by Films Media Group for Films for the Humanities & Sciences, Cambridge Educational, Meridian Education, and Shopware.

History and Science of Taxonomy (2:57) -- Classification of Organisms (2:29) -- Characteristics of Kingdoms (3:17) -- Monera: Structure and Function (5:05) -- Kingdom Protista: Structure, Function (4:41) -- Kingdom Fungi: Structure, Function (5:08) -- Classifying Living Organisms (1:54).