An unknown organism is discovered. Preliminary analysis shows that it has a eukaryotic cell structure and a tissue level of body organisation. To definitively classify this organism into one of the five kingdoms proposed by R.H. Whittaker, which pair of additional characteristics MUST be ascertained?

Step-by-step solution

The organism is eukaryotic and has a tissue level of body organisation. According to Whittaker's five-kingdom classification, organisms with eukaryotic cells and tissue-level (or higher) organisation can belong to Kingdom Fungi (multicellular/loose tissue), Kingdom Plantae (tissue/organ), or Kingdom Animalia (tissue/organ/organ system). To distinguish among these three kingdoms, one must determine the mode of nutrition and the nature of the cell wall. Fungi are heterotrophic with a chitinous cell wall, Plantae are