An animal is a living organism that belongs to the kingdom Animalia, encompassing a vast and diverse range of creatures that share certain characteristics. Unlike plants or fungi, animals are primarily distinguished by their ability to move, their consumption of organic material for energy, and their complex, multicellular structures. Animals breathe, grow, reproduce, and interact with their environments in unique ways, each species adapting to its own ecological niche. From microscopic organisms to towering mammals, animals are a cornerstone of Earth's biodiversity, playing essential roles in ecosystems and forming intricate relationships with each other and their surroundings.