Animals are all the creatures belonging to the kingdom Animalia, ranging in complexity from simple organisms like sponges to highly developed human beings. (Some of the other kingdoms are Plantae, which encompasses things like grass, trees, and flowers, and Fungi, which are things like mold and mushrooms.) Animals make up at least three-quarters of all the species on Earth, and they are distinguished from plants and other organisms by their ability to move. Even tiny animals have muscles and therefore can get around-to find food or a mate, or to get away from enemies.
While humans are animals, often when people use the word "animal" they are referring to all animals except humans. Sometimes people are referring specifically to mammals-warm-blooded creatures like dogs, cows, or lions-as opposed to birds, reptiles, or fish.
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