Which taxonomic kingdom includes all living or extinct animals?

The taxonomic kingdom that includes all living or extinct animals is Animalia. This kingdom encompasses a vast array of organisms that share key characteristics, such as being multicellular, heterotrophic (meaning they obtain their food by consuming other organisms), and typically having complex cellular structures. Animalia is distinct from other kingdoms like Fungi, Plants, and Eubacteria, each of which includes different types of life forms with their own unique attributes and evolutionary histories. For example, Fungi primarily consist of decomposers like molds and mushrooms, while the Plant kingdom focuses on autotrophic organisms that produce their own food through photosynthesis. Eubacteria, on the other hand, consists of single-celled organisms without a nucleus. Since Animalia is the only kingdom that specifically includes all animals, both living and extinct, it appropriately represents the diversity within the animal kingdom.