* Multicellular: Animals are composed of many cells that work together to form tissues, organs, and organ systems.

* Eats other organisms for food (heterotrophic): Animals cannot produce their own food like plants do. They obtain nutrients by consuming other living organisms.

* Moves freely from place to place: Most animals have the ability to move independently, allowing them to search for food, avoid predators, and find mates.

There are countless examples of animals that fit this description, from tiny insects to enormous whales.