Each of the following characteristics represent a Kingdom proposed by Whittaker. Arrange the following in increasing
order of complexity of body organization.
A.   Multicellular heterotrophs with cell wall made of chitin.
B.    Heterotrophs with tissue/organ/organ system level of body organization.

C.    Prokaryotes with cell wall made of polysaccharides and amino acids.

D.     Eukaryotic autotrophs with tissue/organ level of body organization.

E.      Eukaryotes with cellular body organization.

Choose the correct answer from the options given below :

To arrange the five given characteristics in increasing order of complexity of body organization, we compare the hierarchical levels of organization each characteristic represents.

Step 1: Identify the level of organization for each characteristic.

• C – Prokaryotes with a cell wall of polysaccharides and amino acids. This describes single‑celled organisms without any internal tissue differentiation → cellular (unicellular) level.
• E – Eukaryotes with cellular body organization. These are also unicellular, but their cells possess a true nucleus and membrane‑bound organelles → cellular (unicellular) level, but more complex than prokaryotes.
• A – Multicellular heterotrophs with a cell wall of chitin. This corresponds to fungi, which are multicellular but lack true tissues → multicellular, tissue‑absent level.
• D – Eukaryotic autotrophs with tissue/organ level of body organization. This matches plants, which are multicellular and have differentiated tissues and organs (e.g., leaves, roots).
• B – Heterotrophs with tissue/organ/organ‑system level of body organization. This describes animals, which possess tissues, organs, and organized organ systems (e.g., circulatory, nervous).

Step 2: Rank the levels from simplest to most complex.

• Simple unicellular prokaryotes (C) are the least complex.
• Unicellular eukaryotes (E) are a step above because of the presence of a nucleus and organelles.
• Multicellular organisms without true tissues (A) add cellular cooperation, increasing complexity.
• Multicellular organisms with differentiated tissues and organs (D) are more complex than simple multicellular forms.
• Organisms with fully developed organ systems (B) represent the highest level of structural organization.

Step 3: Write the sequence in increasing order.

The correct ascending sequence is: C, E, A, D, B.

This ordering matches the provided correct option, confirming that the answer is consistent with the hierarchy of body organization.