Which kingdom is characterized by organisms that perform photosynthesis?

Organisms in the Kingdom Plantae are primarily characterized by their ability to perform photosynthesis, a process that converts sunlight, carbon dioxide, and water into glucose and oxygen. This ability is primarily due to the presence of chlorophyll, a green pigment found in chloroplasts, which is essential for capturing light energy during photosynthesis. Members of this kingdom include various types of plants, such as trees, shrubs, and flowering plants, which are vital for ecosystems as they produce oxygen and serve as foundational producers in food chains.

In contrast, the other kingdoms listed do not primarily perform photosynthesis. Kingdom Fungi consists of organisms like molds and mushrooms that decompose organic matter rather than use sunlight for energy. Kingdom Animalia includes animals that are heterotrophs, relying on consumption of organic material for energy. Kingdom Protista contains a diverse group of organisms, some of which can photosynthesize (like certain algae), but it also includes many that do not, making it less exclusively associated with this process compared to Plantae. Therefore, the defining characteristic of the ability to photosynthesize aligns specifically with the Kingdom Plantae.