In biology, a domain or empire is the top-level grouping of organisms in scientific classification. Originally three kingdoms were distinguished: the fauna for animals, the flora (Vegetabilia) for plants, and Mineralia (early authors also treated minerals in a third kingdom). This corresponds to the old saying animal, vegetable or mineral?.
Today there are several competing domain classifications of life.
See also
Last updated: 06-02-2005 13:34:15