What Kingdom classification is shared by *Xenacanthus* and nearly all recognizable animal life?
Answer
Animalia
At the highest level of biological organization discussed, *Xenacanthus* is placed within the Kingdom Animalia. This fundamental categorization signifies that the organism possesses essential traits characteristic of nearly all recognized animal life: it is multicellular, meaning it is composed of many specialized cells, and it is heterotrophic. Being heterotrophic means that, unlike plants, *Xenacanthus* could not produce its own food via photosynthesis and instead had to consume other organisms to obtain energy and nutrients, placing it squarely within the animal kingdom.
Related Questions
To which Class does the ancient shark genus *Xenacanthus* belong based on its skeleton?What distinctive anatomical feature defines the Order Xenacanthiformes?What is the approximate translation of the genus name *Xenacanthus*?What Phylum links *Xenacanthus* to other vertebrates possessing a notochord?What specialized environment were *Xenacanthus* fossils often found in, relating to its body plan?During which geological periods did the extinct Order Xenacanthiformes thrive?Which Family sits immediately above the genus *Xenacanthus* in the taxonomic hierarchy?Which alternative genus name has been used for reclassified Australian *Xenacanthus* specimens?What critical method confirms the placement of modern fish classes versus *Xenacanthus* classifications?What Kingdom classification is shared by *Xenacanthus* and nearly all recognizable animal life?What function is plausibly suggested for the cranial spine given *Xenacanthus*'s eel-like locomotion?