Which ascribed characteristic defines the organisms belonging to Kingdom Animalia?

Organisms in Kingdom Animalia are fundamentally characterized by heterotrophic metabolism, meaning they cannot produce their own food through photosynthesis or other autotrophic processes. Instead, animals rely on consuming other organisms or organic material for energy and nutrients, which is a defining trait of this kingdom.

Heterotrophs, like animals, play crucial roles in ecosystems as consumers at various trophic levels. They can be herbivores, carnivores, omnivores, or decomposers, all of which depend on the transfer of energy through food chains and food webs. This characteristic distinguishes them from autotrophic organisms, such as plants and some bacteria, which generate their own food and energy.

While multicellularity is a feature of Kingdom Animalia, the defining aspect that sets them apart from other kingdoms is their heterotrophic mode of obtaining energy, which is not present in the other specified characteristics.