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Difference Between Plant and Animal Cells

Plant and animal cells both are eukaryotic cells , meaning they have a defined nucleus and complex structures encased within membranes (organelles). Both cell types share common cellular machinery such as a nucleus, mitochondria , endoplasmic reticulum, ribosomes, and the Golgi apparatus. However, they also exhibit distinct structural differences that define their functions and responses to their environment. Some of these differences include the presence of cell walls and chloroplasts in plant cells, and centrioles and lysosomes in animal cells. The following article delves deep into the nuanced differences between plant and animal cells.

Why Are Plant and Animal Cells Different?

Remembering the key differences between plant and animal cells is easier when you think about the roles these cells play.

Plant cells are rigid because the stacked cells act as their skeletal system and because they store water and nutrients both for energy and to maintain their structure. Plants are photosynthetic or autotrophs , so their cells contain the necessary organelles for photosynthesis. So, plant cells have a cell wall, a large central storage vacuole, and chloroplasts.

Animals, on the other hand, are motile (can move). Movement requires flexibility, so animal cells are not rigid. While they naturally assume a round shape, but allow for changes. Because they lack a cell wall that would give the cells a fixed shape, animal cells need help making certain the chromosomes and cell contents align perfectly for mitosis and meiosis . So, they have centrioles and centrosomes. Animals are heterotrophs, meaning they get their food by eating plants or other animals. So, they lack chloroplasts. Animal cells several smaller vacuoles. Lysosomes in animal cells break down debris. Although plant cells perform this function, they do it a bit differently.

Plant vs Animal Cells: Comparing the Differences

Plant and animals cells contain somewhat different organelles, plus there are distinctions between some that they share in common:

Plant cells are encased in a rigid cell wall composed mainly of cellulose. This wall not only provides structural support but also protects the cell from mechanical damage. It has a role in preventing excessive water uptake and gives shape to the cell. Animal cells lack this rigid structure; instead, they have a more flexible cell membrane which provides for diverse shapes and facilitates movement in some cells. (Plant cells also have a cell membrane.)

Intermediate Filaments

Intermediate filaments form the cytoskeleton of many animal cells. For the most part, plant cells lack intermediate filaments because the cell wall and central vacuole keep cell contents in place. In plants cells with intermediate filaments, the structure and function differs from anima cells. In a way, plant cells have an exoskeleton, while animal cells have an endoskeleton.

Chloroplasts

One of the primary distinctions between plant and animal cells is the presence of chloroplasts and other plastids in plant cells. Chloroplasts are the sites of photosynthesis, where light energy is converted into chemical energy in the form of glucose. Containing the pigment chlorophyll, these organelles enable plants to capture light energy. Animal cells do not possess chloroplasts and rely on the intake of organic compounds for energy.

Centrioles and Centrosomes

Animal cells often contain a centrosome, which includes a pair of centrioles located near the nucleus and cylinders of microtubules. These organelles play a crucial role in cell division by helping in the formation of the spindle fibers that separate chromosomes during mitosis . Although some plant cells have structures similar to centrioles, they generally lack these organelles and have alternative mechanisms for spindle formation during cell division .

While both plant and animal cells contain vacuoles, the size, function, and number can differ significantly. In plant cells, a central vacuole often occupies up to 90% of the cell’s volume. This vacuole stores nutrients, waste products, and helps in maintaining turgor pressure. Animal cells may have several smaller vacuoles that mainly function in storage, excretion, and intracellular digestion.

Predominantly found in animal cells, lysosomes are membrane-bound organelles containing hydrolytic enzymes. These enzymes are essential for breaking down waste materials and cellular debris. Plant cells, on the other hand, have similar structures called lytic vacuoles, which serve a similar function but are structurally different.

Both plant and animal cells have ribosomes, which are the site of protein synthesis. However, the ribosomes in chloroplasts of plant cells, which are responsible for synthesizing proteins needed for photosynthesis, are more similar to those found in prokaryotic cells than the ribosomes in the cytoplasm of either plant or animal cells.

Plasmodesmata vs. Gap Junctions

Plasmodesmata are tiny channels found in plant cells that allow for communication and transport between neighboring cells. Animal cells don’t have plasmodesmata; instead, they use structures called gap junctions to facilitate intercellular communication.

Glyoxysomes

Present in plant cells, especially in the germinating seeds, glyoxysomes play a pivotal role in lipid conversion to carbohydrates. These specialized peroxisomes are absent in animal cells.

Cilia and Flagella

Cilia and flagella aid in cell motility. Mainly animal cells have these structures (but not all animal cells). So do some plant cells, too, but they are absent in higher plants.

Summary of the Difference Between Plant and Animal Cells

In conclusion, while plant and animal cells share a foundational cellular structure and machinery, the differences in their organelles and structural components are adaptations to their unique roles in nature. These differences underscore the complexity and adaptability of life at the cellular level.

• Alberts, B.; Johnson, A.; et al. (2015).  Molecular Biology of the Cell  (6th ed.). Garland Science. ISBN 978-0815344322.
• Blair, D.F.; Dutcher, S.K. (October 1992). “Flagella in prokaryotes and lower eukaryotes”. Current Opinion in Genetics & Development . 2 (5): 756–767. doi: 10.1016/S0959-437X(05)80136-4
• Campbell, N.A.; Williamson, B,; Heyden, R.J. (2006).  Biology: Exploring Life . Boston, Massachusetts: Pearson Prentice Hall. ISBN 978-0132508827.
• Raven, J.A. (1987). “The role of vacuoles”.  New Phytologist . 106 (3): 357–422. doi: 10.1111/j.1469-8137.1987.tb00149.x
• Raven, P.H.; Johnson, G.B. (2002).  Biology . McGraw-Hill Education. ISBN 978-0071122610.

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Bio Differences

Learn the Biological Differences

Difference Between Plants and Animals

October 10, 2018 by Rachna C 6 Comments

Plants and animals are easy to differentiate by their appearance and unique characteristics.

Plants are the only living entity that has the potential for photosynthesis. And thus they are the most precious pillar of the ecosystem. They use the naturally available raw stuff like water and carbon dioxide to prepare carbohydrates. For this reaction, the sunlight acts as an energy source that is trapped by chlorophyll.

In contrast, animals are devoid of photosynthetic ability. This is because they lack chlorophyll pigment. They rely on plants or other different organisms for nutrition.

We refer to plants as autotrophs due to their autotrophic mode of nutrition. And animals as heterotrophs because of the heterotrophic mode of nutrition.

In the following section, we will learn the primary differences between plants and animals.

Content: Plants Vs Animals

Comparison chart, what are plants, what are animals.

• Key Differences

Similarities

Plants cover about 4.5 billion hectares of our earth’s surface. It is estimated that there are around 390,880 species of plants found till date, and there are more in counting.

We often refer to plants as autotrophs or producers of the environment. They are the most significant elem­­­­­­­­­ent in the running the proper functioning of the environment. This is due to their unique ability to synthesize food with naturally present inorganic matter.

The plants absorb the solar energy from the sun. And transform it into chemical energy with the process called photosynthesis. They are present at the start point of almost all kinds of chains for this exceptional quality.

The plants come under the kingdom Plantae. They are multicellular entities comprised of differential eukaryotic cells. Looking at their structure, they have a distinct root and shoot system.

Note: The study of plants is called botany. And those who study botany are called a botanist.

Cellular Characteristics of Plants

• Cell wall : The plants have a cell wall that is made from cellulose. It is the outermost covering of plant cells that make it firm and rigid.
• Plastids : These are the specialized organelles to store different pigments. The chloroplast that stores chlorophyll is also a plastid.
• Vacuoles : Cells of plants have gigantic vacuoles. Sometimes the vacuole covers more than half of the cell’s area.
• Centrosomes : The centrosomes are absent in the plant cells.

Physiological Characteristics of Plants

1. nutrition.

• The plants have an autotrophic mode of nutrition.
• They perform photosynthesis by using carbon dioxide and water in the presence of sunlight and chlorophyll.
• The growth of a plant is limited to the regions where the meristematic tissues lie. These tissues are generally located at the tips of the shoot and root or in the peripheral edges of the stem. This means that the entire plant body cannot grow in size.
• The growth of plants is not restricted with time. They can constantly grow until they ultimately die.

3. Respiration

• The plants exchange the gases for respiration through small pores called stomata.
• They intake carbon dioxide while they give out oxygen.

4. Movement

• The plants are fixed in the soil and cannot locomote from their places.
• Some plants like algae and some hydrophytes are exceptional that float over water.

5. Digestion

• They do not have the digestive system as they don’t require it.
• Since they make their own food, there is no case of digesting it.

6. Food Storage

• The plant stores the extra food, i.e., carbohydrates, in the form of starch.
• This food might be present in any plant part like roots, stem etc.

7. Excretion

• Plants secrete some harmless chemical compounds, which are generally produced as a by-product.
• Some common secretions include resins, latex, rubber, gum etc.

8. Reproduction

• They can reproduce via a sexual or asexual (vegetative) method.
• Depending upon the level of organization, the complexity of reproduction increases.

9. Responses

• The plant body lacks the responsive sense organs. Thus they deprive the fundamental skill to sense.
• In contrast, they respond to external stimuli like light and touch.

Types of Plants

There are five categories of plants: Herbs, shrubs, trees, creepers and climbers.

These are the shortest plant with a small size and delicate appearance. They are so gentle that they might get uprooted easily with a sudden jerk or even fast winds. Herbs have a simple and short life cycle that completes in one or two seasons. Most of the herbs have high nutritional values with medicinal use. Example : Rosemary, grass, coriander, mint etc.

These are mediocre sized plants that are more firm and rigid. Shrubs are larger than herbs, with a height lying between 6 to 10 meters. Most of the shrubs have a woody appearance having numerous branches. Their life span varies with the respective species. Example : Basil, rose, hibiscus, lemon etc.

The trees are the largest, tallest and strongest types of plants. They have a rigid and thick structure with an enlarged body surface.

The main middle stem is hard and woody. It further splits into many big and small branches. Trees have the most complex structural organization among all the plants. Their life cycle is an elongated one that lasts for hundreds of years. Example : Apple, mango, peepal, neem, banyan etc.

4. Climbers

These are delicate plants that are unable to stand on their own. Thus they need the support to grow and carry their weight. In order to grow vertically, they climb on the external support therefore, we refer to them as climbers. Examples : Money plants, bitter guard, jasmine, peas etc.

5. Creepers

These are the most vulnerable plants that are fragile and slender stems. Alike climbers, they also cannot stand on their own. But they lack the ability to utilize the external support to stand and grow vertically. For this reason, they creep on the ground and grow horizontally. Thus, we refer to them as creepers. Examples : watermelon, sweet potatoes, pumpkin etc.

Importance of Plants

The plants serve a very critical role of producer in any ecosystem. They provide the fundamental kickstart to a food chain. All the animals either directly or indirectly rely on the plants for their survival.

They fulfil the basic needs of oxygen, food and shelter to many animals. Plants also have great medicinal value. Altogether, they are the strong foundation over which the structure of the environment is constructed.

The animals belong to the Animalia kingdom. Their level of organization varies greatly as per the type of species.

Our planet earth consists of several million different varieties of animals. They have a broad range of habitats, i.e., from aqueous to terrestrial.

The animals lack the ability to survive on their own. This is because they do not possess chlorophyll thus can’t make food with naturally available inorganic stuff. They have a heterotrophic mode of nutrition, and we refer to them as heterotrophs.

Their body is multicellular that comprise finely distinguishable eukaryotic cells. Different cells are assigned with various purposes needed for the optimal functioning of the animal body.

Cellular Characteristics of Animals

• Cell wall : The animal cell is devoid of cell walls. Thus, the outermost layer of an animal cell is the cell membrane.
• Plastids : These are absent in animal cells. Due to this, they lack the ability to photosynthesis.
• Vacuoles : The vacuoles are either very small or completely absent.
• Centrosomes : They are present in animal cells.

Physiological Characteristics of Animals

• They have a heterotrophic mode of nutrition.
• The animals depend either on plants or on other animals for sufficing their food requirement.
• An animal’s body grows from all directions, unlike plants. Their growth is not restricted to particular regions only. Instead, all the body parts and organs grow equally in animals.
• The growth of the animal body is paused with time at maturity.
• The animals have well-defined respiratory mechanisms involving the nose, windpipe, lungs, bronchioles and alveoli.
• They intake oxygen while giving out carbon dioxide.
• Most of the animals can locomote.
• Lower animals might not possess specialized locomotory organs. But they move by actions like crawling, creeping, floating, summer salting etc.
• Animal intake the plants or other animals as food. Thus, there is an intense need to extract energy from the taken food.
• For this reason, they have a sophisticated digestive tract.
• There are few exceptions, like lower animals and parasitic animals that lack the digestive system.
• The animals do not require to store a large amount of food.
• Only the extra carbohydrates are stored in the form of glycogen. The body uses this glycogen in case of additional demand for energy.
• Also, the adipose tissues that are present below the skin store fat.
• The animals produce the waste materials like uric acid, ammonia, urea etc.
• The animals can reproduce sexually as well as asexually.
• Mainly the lower organisms reproduce asexually, and the higher ones can only reproduce sexually.
• They have a highly efficient nervous system that produces a response to the stimulus.
• Also, they bear sense organs for sensing smell, touch, sound, taste and vision.

Classification of Animals

Based on the vertebral column.

On the basis of the presence or absence of vertebral column, we can classify the animals as:

1. Invertebrates : Around 97% of the total animal count are invertebrates. These are lower animals with less developed structural organization. They lack the vertebral column.

2. Vertebrates : They are higher animals with well-defined vertebrae. Their structural organization is more advanced than that of invertebrates.

Based on the blood type

1. Homeothermal : These are warm-blooded animals. They can maintain the body temperature irrespective of the external weather conditions.

2. Poikilothermal : Animals with cold blood are poikilothermic. They cannot maintain their body temperature. And thus, the temperature of their blood rises and fall with the change in environmental conditions.

Based on the Embryo Development

1. Oviparous : Those animals that lay an egg. All the embryonic development of the embryo occurs outside the mother’s body. And when the egg hatches, a developed offspring comes out.

2. Viviparous : Here, embryonic development takes place inside the mother’s womb. A completely developed organism comes out from the mother’s body. These are often referred to as mammals.

Importance of Animals

The animals are equally significant for balancing the environment and its components. They play the part of consumers, and thus, they aid the proper functioning of the food chain. Also, they provide stability to the environment.

Animals meet our needs for many products like leather, meat, milk, eggs etc.

Key Differences Between Plants and Animals

• The plants have the unique ability to photosynthesize their own food. But animals lack this mechanism and are dependent on plants or other animals for food.
• Due to the ability of photosynthesis the plants are autotrophic. And as the animals cannot perform photosynthesis they are heterotrophic in nature.
• Plants contain a large amount of chlorophyll that aids the process of photosynthesis. While animals don’t have chlorophyll at all.
• Animals have the ability to locomote from one place to another. But the plants are stationary bodies that remain fixed in the soil.
• For the storage of food, oils, excreta, etc. the plants bear large-sized vacuoles. Whereas, the vacuoles are either small or absent in animals.
• The plants intake carbon dioxide and release oxygen via a stomatal opening. While the animals intake oxygen and give out carbon dioxide through nostrils.
• The growth in plants is not halted with time and thus they keep on growing their entire life. In contrast, time and maturity pause the growth of an animal.
• Plants respond to stimuli like touch, light etc. and are less sensitive as they lack the sense organs. Animals have the proper nervous system and sense organs. Due to this, they respond to any stimuli in a fraction of seconds.
• Both of them respond to stimuli.
• Being living entities both breathe, reproduce, grow.
• Plant and animals try to adapt according to changes in the environment.
• The basic unit of their structure is the eukaryotic cell.
• Air and water are the basic need for survival.
• They proper grow and develop.

In this context, we studied the ground points on which the plants differ from the animal. We can say that, after having a few characters similar, both plants and animals show a lot of variations. Another thing is that they both have a mutual relationship to maintain the ecosystem. So they are equally important and play a significant role in the environment.

More Comparisons:

• Difference Between Plants and Trees
• Difference Between Vascular and Non-Vascular Plants
• Difference Between Chlorophyll and Chloroplast
• Difference Between Creepers and Climbers Plants
• Difference Between Plant Cell and Animal Cell

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• Cell (Biology): An Overview of Prokaryotic & Eukaryotic Cells

Animal vs Plant Cells: Similarities & Differences (with Chart)

Plant and animal cells have many similarities, but they differ in several ways, too. Although there are a number of ways in which they diverge, three key features differentiate cells from the plant and animal kingdoms.

Animals lack many of the features of cell anatomy that plants possess and are required to hunt, gather or scavenge for food; find mates (in many cases) for sexual reproduction; and engage in other life-sustaining activities that plants do not perform. The differences between the two cell types are a fundamental part of what make animals and plants what they are.

TL;DR (Too Long; Didn't Read)

There are many similarities between plant and animal cells, as well as three key differences. Both kinds of cells are eukaryotic, which means that they are larger than bacteria and microbes, and their processes of cell division make use of mitosis and meiosis.

Unlike animal cells, plant cells have cell walls and organelles called chloroplasts. Plant cells also have a large central vacuole, while animal cells either have small vacuoles or none. These differences result in functional differences, such as plants' ability to get energy from the sun instead of from organic matter.

Similarities Between Plant and Animal Cells

Both plant and animal cells are eukaryotic . The highest rank of biological taxonomy is called a domain . In other words, all living organisms can be grouped into three domains:

All multicellular organisms in the five kingdoms are in the Eukarya domain, including all plants and animals. Unlike their smaller single-celled counterparts, the prokaryotes in the Archaea and Bacteria domains, eukaryotes have a nucleus enclosed by a nuclear membrane as well as other membrane-bound organelles. In addition, their processes of cell division occur via mitosis and meiosis, rather than binary fission.

Most of the similarities between plant and animal cells have to do with the many organelles they share. In addition to both having membrane-bound nuclei, organelles that exist in both plant and animal cells include:

• Mitochondria
• Endoplasmic reticulum
• Golgi apparatus

Specialized Organelles: Chloroplasts

Chloroplasts are present in plant and algae cells, but not in animal cells (although various researchers are attempting to create “plantimals” by injecting chloroplasts into the embryonic cells of zebra fish and other species).

Chloroplasts contain chlorophyll, which is important for photosynthesis. Plants use photosynthesis to derive energy from sunlight. Plants are called autotrophs because they produce their own food from sunlight. Animals and other heterotrophs rely on organic matter to survive.

Chloroplasts have their own DNA and are very similar to prokaryotic bacteria; scientists believe that 1.5 billion years ago, chloroplasts may have been prokaryotic bacteria, living inside of algae. This is known as an endosymbiotic relationship. Over time, the prokaryotes became chloroplasts within the eukaryotic cells, and these cells gave rise to many species of algae and later, to plants.

Organelles: Vacuoles

A vacuole is another organelle. Plant cells tend to have one large central vacuole, but animal cells either have a scatter of small vacuoles or none. The vacuole is a large, membrane-bound sac that serves numerous functions, especially to provide storage of certain substances.

This organelle is vital to plants for a few reasons. Notably, the vacuole stores sugars to increase the flow of water into the cell by osmosis, increasing the turgor pressure in the plant cell. Greater turgor pressure means it is more rigid, which helps the plant to hold its structure.

Vacuoles are also able to store nutritious substances to save for later, or waste chemicals that the plant needs to excrete but is unable to. Vacuoles can even store toxins for self-defense against herbivores.

The Cell Wall

Plant cells do not move; they become fixed in place with cell walls, which are composed of many substances, particularly cellulose. Unlike plant cells, animal cells only have a plasma membrane, and no cell wall.

One benefit of cell walls has to do with the increased turgor pressure caused by vacuoles. Without cell walls, plant cells would continue to absorb water by osmosis until they burst, but the rigid cell walls place a limit on how much water can be absorbed.

Cell walls also provide cell structure and rigidity to the plant as a whole. This kind of rigidity would prevent animals from moving sufficiently. The cell wall also uses chemicals in its various layers to protect the cell from attacks, and to signal other cells to launch a defense.

Differences Between Plant and Animal Cells

The differences between plant and animal cells cannot the naked eye. However, the impacts of these differences on the morphology (form and features) of plants and animals is noticeable. Without chloroplasts, a cell wall and a central vacuole, animals cells are able to do certain things that plant cells cannot, and vice versa.

As connected units, such as body tissue, animal cells are able to allow for more fluid movement than plant cells, which are stiffly attached to their neighbors by cell walls. As individual units, animal cells are also able to move freely about the organism when necessary, or switch roles to specialize in another task. Plant cells are less able to do this because of the plant cell walls keeping them in place.

What plant cells (and plants) lose in physical freedom from cell walls and central vacuoles, they gain in self-reliance and security. Cell walls, central vacuoles and chloroplasts all contribute to plant cells' autotrophism, which frees them from reliance on the need for organic matter for nutrition. Plants do not need to scavenge, hunt or or forage for food. While animals battle for resources and engage in sexual reproduction, plants stay rooted and grow toward the sun.

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• Western Oregon University: Chapter 1 – Introduction to Biological Systems
• National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration: Animal Cells
• Arizona State University: Prokaryotes vs. Eukaryotes
• Arizona State University: The Story of Chlorophyll and Chloroplasts

About the Author

Rebecca E. received a degree in human development before attending graduate school in writing. She has an extensive background in cognition and behavior research, particularly the neurological bases for personality traits and psychological illness. As a freelance writer, her specialty is science and medical writing. She's written for Autostraddle, The Griffith Review and The Sycamore Review.

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Animal vs. Plant cells – Similarities, Differences, Chart, and Examples

This article covers

Definition: What is a cell?

Definition: what are animals, and what are plants, animal cells vs. plant cells – key similarities, animal cells and plant cells are eukaryotic cells, both animals and plants are multicellular organisms, animal cells and plant cells share many organelles in common, animal cell structures, plant cell structures, cell organelles and their functions.

Animal cells vs. Plant cells – major differences

Chloroplasts

[In this figure]   Cytoplasmic streaming in plant cells. Cytoplasmic streaming circulates the chloroplasts around the central vacuoles in plant cells. This optimizes the exposure of light on every single chloroplast evenly, maximizing the efficiency of photosynthesis. The right image is the actual cytoplasmic streaming of chloroplasts in Elodea cells. Created with BioRender.com

Plasmodesmata

Flagella and cilia, looking at animal and plant cells under a microscope, q&a: frequently asked questions are quickly answered here, what do plant cells have, but animal cells do not, what do animal cells have, but plant cells do not, what does a plant cell look like, do plant cells have cell membranes, do plant cells have mitochondria, do animal cells have a cell wall, do plant cells have centrioles, do plants have lysosomes, do plant cells have ribosomes, what do all cells have in common, are plants eukaryotic, do animal cells have chloroplasts, do plant cells have cytoskeleton, how does cytokinesis differ in plant and animal cells.

Plant Cell vs. Animal Cell

Plant and animal cells have several differences and similarities. For example, animal cells do not have a cell wall or chloroplasts but plant cells do. Animal cells are mostly round and irregular in shape while plant cells have fixed, rectangular shapes.

Plant and animal cells are both eukaryotic cells , so they have several features in common, such as the presence of a cell membrane, and cell organelles, like the nucleus, mitochondria and endoplasmic reticulum.

Comparison chart

A difference between plant cells and animal cells is that most animal cells are round whereas most plant cells are rectangular.Plant cells have a rigid cell wall that surrounds the cell membrane. Animal cells do not have a cell wall. When looking under a microscope, the cell wall is an easy way to distinguish plant cells.

Chloroplasts

Plants are autotrophs ; they produce energy from sunlight through the process of photosynthesis , for which they use cell organelles called chloroplasts . Animal cells do not have chloroplasts. In animal cells, energy is produced from food ( glucose ) via the process of cellular respiration . Cellular respiration occurs in mitochondria on animal cells, which are structurally somewhat analogous to chloroplasts, and also perform the function of producing energy. However, plant cells also contain mitochondria.

All animal cells have centrioles whereas only some lower plant forms have centrioles in their cells (e.g. the male gametes of charophytes, bryophytes, seedless vascular plants, cycads, and ginkgo).

Animal cells have one or more small vacuoles whereas plant cells have one large central vacuole that can take upto 90% of cell volume. In plant cells, the function of vacuoles is to store water and maintain turgidity of the cell. Vacuoles in animal cells store water, ions and waste.

A lysosome is a membrane-bound spherical vesicle which contains hydrolytic enzymes that can break down many kinds of biomolecules. It is involved in cell processes,like secretion, plasma membrane repair, cell signaling, and energy metabolism. Animal cells have clearly defined lysosomes. The presence of lysosomes in plant cells in under debate. A few studies have reported presence of animal lysosomes in plant vacuoles therefore suggesting plant vacuoles fulfilling the role of the animal lysosomal system.

Pictures of plant and animal cells

Structure of a plant cell.

Animal Cell Structure

Video Comparing Plant and Animal Cells

This video summarizes the differences between animal and plant cells:

For a more in-depth look at the differences between plant and animal cell organelles, see this video .

Types of plant cells

• Wikipedia: Eukaryote#Animal cell
• Wikipedia: Plant cell

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Plant vs. Animal Cells

Reviewed by: BD Editors

Cells are the fundamental units that make up all living things, including plants and animals. All plant and animal cells are eukaryotic, so they have several cellular processes and organelles in common. However, there are also key differences between plant and animal cells in terms of their size, their shape, and the cell structures they contain.

Plant vs. Animal Cell Size 

Plant cells are often larger than animal cells. Whereas the size normal range for an animal cell is between 10 and 30 micrometers (µm), plant cells can measure anywhere between 10 and 100 µm.

Plant vs. Animal Cell Shape

Animal cells tend to be round with an irregular shape. This is different from plant cells, which have a fixed rectangular or box-like shape.

Energy Storage in Plant vs. Animal Cells 

Both plant and animal cells store energy, but they use different molecules to do so. Animal cells store energy in the form of  glycogen  molecules, whereas plant cells store their energy in  starch.

Plant vs. Animal Cell Structures

Plant and animal cells contain many of the same organelles, but some structures are only found in plant cells. Others are found in both plant and animal cells, but their functions are slightly different.

Plant cells are surrounded by a tough, cellulose-based structure called the cell wall. The cell wall is found outside of the cell membrane of plant cells but is absent from animal cells.

Chloroplasts

Chloroplasts are the site of photosynthesis, which uses energy from the sun to convert carbon dioxide and water into glucose. This is how plants obtain food, so chloroplasts are a common feature of plant cells. Chloroplasts are never found in animal cells, however, as animals obtain their nutrition by eating rather than by photosynthesis.

Lysosomes are small, spherical organelles full of digestive enzymes that are used to break down and recycle unwanted materials. Lysosomes are also used to destroy invading pathogens. They are common in animal cells, but rare in plant cells as the tough, plant cell wall helps to keep unwanted invaders out.

Both plant and animal cells contain vacuoles, but their structure is very different. An animal cell may contain several small vacuoles, which are usually used to store waste products. In contrast, the plant cell vacuole is very large and may occupy  up to 90% of the volume of the cell.  It is used to store a variety of substances (including water, sugars, proteins, salts, etc.), and helps to maintain the  turgor pressure  of the cell.

Plasmodesmata

Plasmodesmata are small channels or pores between plant cells that directly connect one cell to another. Plant cells can use the plasmodesmata to  exchange molecules with one another.  Plasmodesmata are only found in plant and algal cells; the animal cell equivalent is called the  gap junction.

Similarities Between Plant and Animal Cells

Both are eukaryotic.

Plant and animal cells are both types of eukaryotic cells, meaning they both contain a true nucleus as well as other membrane-bound organelles.

Both Respire

All cells need energy to grow and function, and animal and plant cells both obtain this energy from cellular respiration. This metabolic process takes place in the mitochondria of plant and animal cells and involves the breakdown of glucose to release energy.

Organelles Found in Both Plant and Animal Cells

Plant and animal cells contain many of the same cellular structures, including the nucleus, mitochondria, ribosomes, endoplasmic reticulum, Golgi apparatus, peroxisomes, cytoplasm, and cell membrane.

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5 Compare and Contrast Essay Examples (Full Text)

Chris Drew (PhD)

Dr. Chris Drew is the founder of the Helpful Professor. He holds a PhD in education and has published over 20 articles in scholarly journals. He is the former editor of the Journal of Learning Development in Higher Education. [Image Descriptor: Photo of Chris]

Learn about our Editorial Process

A compare and contrast essay selects two or more items that are critically analyzed to demonstrate their differences and similarities. Here is a template for you that provides the general structure:

A range of example essays is presented below.

Compare and Contrast Essay Examples

#1 jean piaget vs lev vygotsky essay.

1480 Words | 5 Pages | 10 References

(Level: University Undergraduate)

Thesis Statement: “This essay will critically examine and compare the developmental theories of Jean Piaget and Lev Vygotsky, focusing on their differing views on cognitive development in children and their influence on educational psychology, through an exploration of key concepts such as the role of culture and environment, scaffolding, equilibration, and their overall implications for educational practices..”

#2 Democracy vs Authoritarianism Essay

Thesis Statement: “The thesis of this analysis is that, despite the efficiency and control offered by authoritarian regimes, democratic systems, with their emphasis on individual freedoms, participatory governance, and social welfare, present a more balanced and ethically sound approach to governance, better aligned with the ideals of a just and progressive society.”

#3 Apples vs Oranges Essay

1190 Words | 5 Pages | 0 References

(Level: 4th Grade, 5th Grade, 6th Grade)

Thesis Statement: “While apples and oranges are both popular and nutritious fruits, they differ significantly in their taste profiles, nutritional benefits, cultural symbolism, and culinary applications.”

#4 Nature vs Nurture Essay

1525 Words | 5 Pages | 11 References

(Level: High School and College)

Thesis Statement: “The purpose of this essay is to examine and elucidate the complex and interconnected roles of genetic inheritance (nature) and environmental influences (nurture) in shaping human development across various domains such as physical traits, personality, behavior, intelligence, and abilities.”

#5 Dogs vs Cats Essay

1095 Words | 5 Pages | 7 Bibliographic Sources

(Level: 6th Grade, 7th Grade, 8th Grade)

Thesis Statement: “This essay explores the distinctive characteristics, emotional connections, and lifestyle considerations associated with owning dogs and cats, aiming to illuminate the unique joys and benefits each pet brings to their human companions.”

How to Write a Compare and Contrast Essay

I’ve recorded a full video for you on how to write a compare and contrast essay:

Get the Compare and Contrast Templates with AI Prompts Here

In the video, I outline the steps to writing your essay. Here they are explained below:

1. Essay Planning

First, I recommend using my compare and contrast worksheet, which acts like a Venn Diagram, walking you through the steps of comparing the similarities and differences of the concepts or items you’re comparing.

I recommend selecting 3-5 features that can be compared, as shown in the worksheet:

Grab the Worksheet as Part of the Compare and Contrast Essay Writing Pack

2. Writing the Essay

Once you’ve completed the worksheet, you’re ready to start writing. Go systematically through each feature you are comparing and discuss the similarities and differences, then make an evaluative statement after showing your depth of knowledge:

Get the Rest of the Premium Compare and Contrast Essay Writing Pack (With AI Prompts) Here

How to Write a Compare and Contrast Thesis Statement

Compare and contrast thesis statements can either:

• Remain neutral in an expository tone.
• Prosecute an argument about which of the items you’re comparing is overall best.

To write an argumentative thesis statement for a compare and contrast essay, try this AI Prompts:

💡 AI Prompt to Generate Ideas I am writing a compare and contrast essay that compares [Concept 1] and [Concept2]. Give me 5 potential single-sentence thesis statements that pass a reasonable judgement.

Ready to Write your Essay?

Take action! Choose one of the following options to start writing your compare and contrast essay now:

Read Next: Process Essay Examples

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34 Compelling Compare and Contrast Essay Examples

Topics cover education, technology, pop culture, sports, animals, and more.

Do your writers need some inspiration? If you’re teaching students to write a compare and contrast essay, a strong example is an invaluable tool. This round-up of our favorite compare and contrast essays covers a range of topics and grade levels, so no matter your students’ interests or ages, you’ll always have a helpful example to share. You’ll find links to full essays about education, technology, pop culture, sports, animals, and more. (Need compare-and-contrast essay topic ideas? Check out our big list of compare and contrast essay topics! )

What is a compare and contrast essay?

• Education and parenting essays
• Technology essays
• Pop culture essays
• Historical and political essays
• Sports essays
• Lifestyle essays
• Healthcare essays
• Animal essays

When choosing a compare and contrast essay example to include on this list, we considered the structure. A strong compare and contrast essay begins with an introductory paragraph that includes background context and a strong thesis. Next, the body includes paragraphs that explore the similarities and differences. Finally, a concluding paragraph restates the thesis, draws any necessary inferences, and asks any remaining questions.

A compare and contrast essay example can be an opinion piece comparing two things and making a conclusion about which is better. For example, “Is Tom Brady really the GOAT?” It can also help consumers decide which product is better suited to them. Should you keep your subscription to Hulu or Netflix? Should you stick with Apple or explore Android? Here’s our list of compare and contrast essay samples categorized by subject.

Education and Parenting Compare and Contrast Essay Examples

Private school vs. public school.

Sample lines: “Deciding whether to send a child to public or private school can be a tough choice for parents. … Data on whether public or private education is better can be challenging to find and difficult to understand, and the cost of private school can be daunting. … According to the most recent data from the National Center for Education Statistics, public schools still attract far more students than private schools, with 50.7 million students attending public school as of 2018. Private school enrollment in the fall of 2017 was 5.7 million students, a number that is down from 6 million in 1999.”

Read the full essay: Private School vs. Public School at U.S. News and World Report

Homeschool vs. Public School: How Home Schooling Will Change Public Education

Sample lines: “Home schooling, not a present threat to public education, is nonetheless one of the forces that will change it. If the high estimates of the number of children in home schools (1.2 million) is correct, then the home-schooling universe is larger than the New York City public school system and roughly the size of the Los Angeles and Chicago public school systems combined. … Critics charge that three things are wrong with home schooling: harm to students academically; harm to society by producing students who are ill-prepared to function as democratic citizens and participants in a modern economy; and harm to public education, making it more difficult for other parents to educate their children. … It is time to ask whether home schooling, charters, and vouchers should be considered parts of a broad repertoire of methods that we as a society use to educate our children.”

Read the full essay: Homeschool vs. Public School: How Home Schooling Will Change Public Education at Brookings

Which parenting style is right for you?

Sample lines: “The three main types of parenting are on a type of ‘sliding scale’ of parenting, with permissive parenting as the least strict type of parenting. Permissive parenting typically has very few rules, while authoritarian parenting is thought of as a very strict, rule-driven type of parenting.”

Read the full essay: What Is Authoritative Parenting? at Healthline ADVERTISEMENT

Masked Education? The Benefits and Burdens of Wearing Face Masks in Schools During the Pandemic

Sample lines: “Face masks can prevent the spread of the virus SARS-CoV-2. … However, covering the lower half of the face reduces the ability to communicate. Positive emotions become less recognizable, and negative emotions are amplified. Emotional mimicry, contagion, and emotionality in general are reduced and (thereby) bonding between teachers and learners, group cohesion, and learning—of which emotions are a major driver. The benefits and burdens of face masks in schools should be seriously considered and made obvious and clear to teachers and students.”

Read the full essay: Masked Education? The Benefits and Burdens of Wearing Face Masks in Schools During the Pandemic at National Library of Medicine

To Ban or Not: What Should We Really Make of Book Bans?

Sample lines: “In recent years, book bans have soared in schools, reaching an all-time high in fall 2022. … The challenge of balancing parent concerns about ‘age appropriateness’ against the imperative of preparing students to be informed citizens is still on the minds of many educators today. … Such curricular decision-making  should  be left to the professionals, argues English/language arts instructional specialist Miriam Plotinsky. ‘Examining texts for their appropriateness is not a job that noneducators are trained to do,’ she wrote last year, as the national debate over censorship resurged with the news that a Tennessee district banned the graphic novel  Maus  just days before Holocaust Remembrance Day.”

Read the full essay: To Ban or Not: What Should We Really Make of Book Bans? at Education Week

Technology Compare and Contrast Essay Examples

Netflix vs. hulu 2023: which is the best streaming service.

Sample lines: “Netflix fans will point to its high-quality originals, including  The Witcher ,  Stranger Things ,  Emily in Paris ,  Ozark , and more, as well as a wide variety of documentaries like  Cheer ,  The Last Dance ,  My Octopus Teacher , and many others. It also boasts a much larger subscription base, with more than 222 million subscribers compared to Hulu’s 44 million. Hulu, on the other hand, offers a variety of extras such as HBO and Showtime—content that’s unavailable on Netflix. Its price tag is also cheaper than the competition, with its $7/mo. starting price, which is a bit more palatable than Netflix’s $10/mo. starting price.”

Read the full essay: Netflix vs. Hulu 2023: Which is the best streaming service? at TV Guide

Kindle vs. Hardcover: Which is easier on the eyes?

Sample lines: “In the past, we would have to drag around heavy books if we were really into reading. Now, we can have all of those books, and many more, stored in one handy little device that can easily be stuffed into a backpack, purse, etc. … Many of us still prefer to hold an actual book in our hands. … But, whether you use a Kindle or prefer hardcover books or paperbacks, the main thing is that you enjoy reading. A story in a book or on a Kindle device can open up new worlds, take you to fantasy worlds, educate you, entertain you, and so much more.”

Read the full essay: Kindle vs. Hardcover: Which is easier on the eyes? at Books in a Flash

iPhone vs. Android: Which is better for you?

Sample lines: “The iPhone vs. Android comparison is a never-ending debate on which one is best. It will likely never have a real winner, but we’re going to try and help you to find your personal pick all the same. iOS 17 and Android 14—the latest versions of the two operating systems—both offer smooth and user-friendly experiences, and several similar or identical features. But there are still important differences to be aware of. … Owning an iPhone is a simpler, more convenient experience. There’s less to think about. … Android-device ownership is a bit harder. … Yet it’s simultaneously more freeing, because it offers more choice.”

Read the full essay: iPhone vs. Android: Which is better for you? at Tom’s Guide

Cutting the cord: Is streaming or cable better for you?

Sample lines: “Cord-cutting has become a popular trend in recent years, thanks to the rise of streaming services. For those unfamiliar, cord cutting is the process of canceling your cable subscription and instead, relying on streaming platforms such as Netflix and Hulu to watch your favorite shows and movies. The primary difference is that you can select your streaming services à la carte while cable locks you in on a set number of channels through bundles. So, the big question is: should you cut the cord?”

Read the full essay: Cutting the cord: Is streaming or cable better for you? at BroadbandNow

PS5 vs. Nintendo Switch

Sample lines: “The crux of the comparison comes down to portability versus power. Being able to migrate fully fledged Nintendo games from a big screen to a portable device is a huge asset—and one that consumers have taken to, especially given the Nintendo Switch’s meteoric sales figures. … It is worth noting that many of the biggest franchises like Call of Duty, Madden, modern Resident Evil titles, newer Final Fantasy games, Grand Theft Auto, and open-world Ubisoft adventures like Assassin’s Creed will usually skip Nintendo Switch due to its lack of power. The inability to play these popular games practically guarantees that a consumer will pick up a modern system, while using the Switch as a secondary device.”

Read the full essay: PS5 vs. Nintendo Switch at Digital Trends

What is the difference between Facebook and Instagram?

Sample lines: “Have you ever wondered what is the difference between Facebook and Instagram? Instagram and Facebook are by far the most popular social media channels used by digital marketers. Not to mention that they’re also the biggest platforms used by internet users worldwide. So, today we’ll look into the differences and similarities between these two platforms to help you figure out which one is the best fit for your business.”

Read the full essay: What is the difference between Facebook and Instagram? at SocialBee

Digital vs. Analog Watches—What’s the Difference?

Sample lines: “In short, digital watches use an LCD or LED screen to display the time. Whereas, an analog watch features three hands to denote the hour, minutes, and seconds. With the advancement in watch technology and research, both analog and digital watches have received significant improvements over the years. Especially in terms of design, endurance, and accompanying features. … At the end of the day, whether you go analog or digital, it’s a personal preference to make based on your style, needs, functions, and budget.”

Read the full essay: Digital vs. Analog Watches—What’s the Difference? at Watch Ranker

AI Art vs. Human Art: A Side-by-Side Analysis

Sample lines: “Art has always been a reflection of human creativity, emotion, and cultural expression. However, with the rise of artificial intelligence (AI), a new form of artistic creation has emerged, blurring the lines between what is created by human hands and what is generated by algorithms. … Despite the excitement surrounding AI Art, it also raises complex ethical, legal, and artistic questions that have sparked debates about the definition of art, the role of the artist, and the future of art production. … Regardless of whether AI Art is considered ‘true’ art, it is crucial to embrace and explore the vast possibilities and potential it brings to the table. The transformative influence of AI art on the art world is still unfolding, and only time will reveal its true extent.”

Read the full essay: AI Art vs. Human Art: A Side-by-Side Analysis at Raul Lara

Pop Culture Compare and Contrast Essay Examples

Christina aguilera vs. britney spears.

Sample lines: “Britney Spears vs. Christina Aguilera was the Coke vs. Pepsi of 1999 — no, really, Christina repped Coke and Britney shilled for Pepsi. The two teen idols released debut albums seven months apart before the turn of the century, with Britney’s becoming a standard-bearer for bubblegum pop and Aguilera’s taking an R&B bent to show off her range. … It’s clear that Spears and Aguilera took extremely divergent paths following their simultaneous breakout successes.”

Read the full essay: Christina Aguilera vs. Britney Spears at The Ringer

Harry Styles vs. Ed Sheeran

Sample lines: “The world heard our fantasies and delivered us two titans simultaneously—we have been blessed with Ed Sheeran and Harry Styles. Our cup runneth over; our bounty is immeasurable. More remarkable still is the fact that both have released albums almost at the same time: Ed’s third, Divide , was released in March and broke the record for one-day Spotify streams, while Harry’s frenziedly anticipated debut solo, called Harry Styles , was released yesterday.”

Read the full essay: Harry Styles versus Ed Sheeran at Belfast Telegraph

The Grinch: Three Versions Compared

Sample lines: “Based on the original story of the same name, this movie takes a completely different direction by choosing to break away from the cartoony form that Seuss had established by filming the movie in a live-action form. Whoville is preparing for Christmas while the Grinch looks down upon their celebrations in disgust. Like the previous film, The Grinch hatches a plan to ruin Christmas for the Who’s. … Like in the original Grinch, he disguises himself as Santa Claus, and makes his dog, Max, into a reindeer. He then takes all of the presents from the children and households. … Cole’s favorite is the 2000 edition, while Alex has only seen the original. Tell us which one is your favorite.”

Read the full essay: The Grinch: Three Versions Compared at Wooster School

Historical and Political Compare and Contrast Essay Examples

Malcolm x vs. martin luther king jr.: comparison between two great leaders’ ideologies .

Sample lines: “Although they were fighting for civil rights at the same time, their ideology and way of fighting were completely distinctive. This can be for a plethora of reasons: background, upbringing, the system of thought, and vision. But keep in mind, they devoted their whole life to the same prospect. … Through boycotts and marches, [King] hoped to end racial segregation. He felt that the abolition of segregation would improve the likelihood of integration. Malcolm X, on the other hand, spearheaded a movement for black empowerment.”

Read the full essay: Malcolm X vs. Martin Luther King Jr.: Comparison Between Two Great Leaders’ Ideologies  at Melaninful

Contrast Between Obama and Trump Has Become Clear

Sample lines: “The contrast is even clearer when we look to the future. Trump promises more tax cuts, more military spending, more deficits and deeper cuts in programs for the vulnerable. He plans to nominate a coal lobbyist to head the Environmental Protection Agency. … Obama says America must move forward, and he praises progressive Democrats for advocating Medicare for all. … With Obama and then Trump, Americans have elected two diametrically opposed leaders leading into two very different directions.”

Read the full essay: Contrast Between Obama and Trump Has Become Clear at Chicago Sun-Times

Sports Compare and Contrast Essay Examples

Lebron james vs. kobe bryant: a complete comparison.

Sample lines: “LeBron James has achieved so much in his career that he is seen by many as the greatest of all time, or at least the only player worthy of being mentioned in the GOAT conversation next to Michael Jordan. Bridging the gap between Jordan and LeBron though was Kobe Bryant, who often gets left out of comparisons and GOAT conversations. … Should his name be mentioned more though? Can he compare to LeBron or is The King too far past The Black Mamba in historical rankings already?”

Read the full essay: LeBron James vs. Kobe Bryant: A Complete Comparison at Sportskeeda

NFL: Tom Brady vs. Peyton Manning Rivalry Comparison

Sample lines: “Tom Brady and Peyton Manning were largely considered the best quarterbacks in the NFL for the majority of the time they spent in the league together, with the icons having many head-to-head clashes in the regular season and on the AFC side of the NFL Playoffs. Manning was the leader of the Indianapolis Colts of the AFC South. … Brady spent his career as the QB of the AFC East’s New England Patriots, before taking his talents to Tampa Bay. … The reality is that winning is the most important aspect of any career, and Brady won more head-to-head matchups than Manning did.”

Read the full essay: NFL: Tom Brady vs. Peyton Manning Rivalry Comparison at Sportskeeda

The Greatest NBA Franchise Ever: Boston Celtics or Los Angeles Lakers?

Sample lines: “The Celtics are universally considered as the greatest franchise in NBA history. But if you take a close look at the numbers, there isn’t really too much separation between them and their arch-rival Los Angeles Lakers. In fact, you can even make a good argument for the Lakers. … In 72 seasons played, the Boston Celtics have won a total of 3,314 games and lost 2,305 or a .590 winning mark. On the other hand, the Los Angeles Lakers have won 3,284 of 5,507 total games played or a slightly better winning record of .596. … But while the Lakers have the better winning percentage, the Celtics have the advantage over them in head-to-head competition.”

Read the full essay: The Greatest NBA Franchise Ever: Boston Celtics or Los Angeles Lakers? at Sport One

Is Soccer Better Than Football?

Sample lines: “Is soccer better than football? Soccer and football lovers have numerous reasons to support their sport of choice. Both keep the players physically fit and help to bring people together for an exciting cause. However, soccer has drawn more numbers globally due to its popularity in more countries.”

Read the full essay: Is Soccer Better Than Football? at Sports Brief

Lifestyle Choices Compare and Contrast Essay Examples

Mobile home vs. tiny house: similarities, differences, pros & cons.

Sample lines: “Choosing the tiny home lifestyle enables you to spend more time with those you love. The small living space ensures quality bonding time rather than hiding away in a room or behind a computer screen. … You’ll be able to connect closer to nature and find yourself able to travel the country at any given moment. On the other hand, we have the mobile home. … They are built on a chassis with transportation in mind. … They are not built to be moved on a constant basis. … While moving the home again *is* possible, it may cost you several thousand dollars.”

Read the full essay: Mobile Home vs. Tiny House: Similarities, Differences, Pros & Cons at US Mobile Home Pros

Whole Foods vs. Walmart: The Story of Two Grocery Stores

Sample lines: “It is clear that both stores have very different stories and aims when it comes to their customers. Whole Foods looks to provide organic, healthy, exotic, and niche products for an audience with a very particular taste. … Walmart, on the other hand, looks to provide the best deals, every possible product, and every big brand for a broader audience. … Moreover, they look to make buying affordable and accessible, and focus on the capitalist nature of buying.”

Read the full essay: Whole Foods vs. Walmart: The Story of Two Grocery Stores at The Archaeology of Us

Artificial Grass vs. Turf: The Real Differences Revealed

Sample lines: “The key difference between artificial grass and turf is their intended use. Artificial turf is largely intended to be used for sports, so it is shorter and tougher. On the other hand, artificial grass is generally longer, softer and more suited to landscaping purposes. Most homeowners would opt for artificial grass as a replacement for a lawn, for example. Some people actually prefer playing sports on artificial grass, too … artificial grass is often softer and more bouncy, giving it a feel similar to playing on a grassy lawn. … At the end of the day, which one you will choose will depend on your specific household and needs.”

Read the full essay: Artificial Grass vs. Turf: The Real Differences Revealed at Almost Grass

Minimalism vs. Maximalism: Differences, Similarities, and Use Cases

Sample lines: “Maximalists love shopping, especially finding unique pieces. They see it as a hobby—even a skill—and a way to express their personality. Minimalists don’t like shopping and see it as a waste of time and money. They’d instead use those resources to create memorable experiences. Maximalists desire one-of-a-kind possessions. Minimalists are happy with duplicates—for example, personal uniforms. … Minimalism and maximalism are about being intentional with your life and belongings. It’s about making choices based on what’s important to you.”

Read the full essay: Minimalism vs. Maximalism: Differences, Similarities, and Use Cases at Minimalist Vegan

Vegetarian vs. Meat Eating: Is It Better To Be a Vegetarian?

Sample lines: “You’ve heard buzz over the years that following a vegetarian diet is better for your health, and you’ve probably read a few magazine articles featuring a celeb or two who swore off meat and animal products and ‘magically’ lost weight. So does ditching meat automatically equal weight loss? Will it really help you live longer and be healthier overall? … Vegetarians appear to have lower low-density lipoprotein cholesterol levels, lower blood pressure  and lower rates of hypertension and type 2 diabetes than meat eaters. Vegetarians also tend to have a lower body mass index, lower overall cancer rates and lower risk of chronic disease. But if your vegetarian co-worker is noshing greasy veggie burgers and fries every day for lunch, is he likely to be healthier than you, who always orders the grilled salmon? Definitely not!”

Read the full essay: Vegetarian vs. Meat Eating: Is It Better To Be a Vegetarian? at WebMD

Healthcare Compare and Contrast Essay Examples

Similarities and differences between the health systems in australia & usa.

Sample lines: “Australia and the United States are two very different countries. They are far away from each other, have contrasting fauna and flora, differ immensely by population, and have vastly different healthcare systems. The United States has a population of 331 million people, compared to Australia’s population of 25.5 million people.”

Read the full essay: Similarities and Differences Between the Health Systems in Australia & USA at Georgia State University

Universal Healthcare in the United States of America: A Healthy Debate

Sample lines: “Disadvantages of universal healthcare include significant upfront costs and logistical challenges. On the other hand, universal healthcare may lead to a healthier populace, and thus, in the long-term, help to mitigate the economic costs of an unhealthy nation. In particular, substantial health disparities exist in the United States, with low socio-economic status segments of the population subject to decreased access to quality healthcare and increased risk of non-communicable chronic conditions such as obesity and type II diabetes, among other determinants of poor health.”

Read the full essay: Universal Healthcare in the United States of America: A Healthy Debate at National Library of Medicine

Pros and Cons of Physician Aid in Dying

Sample lines: “Physician aid in dying is a controversial subject raising issues central to the role of physicians. … The two most common arguments in favor of legalizing AID are respect for patient autonomy and relief of suffering. A third, related, argument is that AID is a safe medical practice, requiring a health care professional. … Although opponents of AID offer many arguments ranging from pragmatic to philosophical, we focus here on concerns that the expansion of AID might cause additional, unintended harm through suicide contagion, slippery slope, and the deaths of patients suffering from depression.”

Read the full essay: Pros and Cons of Physician Aid in Dying at National Library of Medicine

Animals Compare and Contrast Essay Examples

Compare and contrast paragraph—dogs and cats.

Sample lines: “Researchers have found that dogs have about twice the number of neurons in their cerebral cortexes than what cats have. Specifically, dogs had around 530 million neurons, whereas the domestic cat only had 250 million neurons. Moreover, dogs can be trained to learn and respond to our commands, but although your cat understands your name, and anticipates your every move, he/she may choose to ignore you.”

Read the full essay: Compare and Contrast Paragraph—Dogs and Cats at Proofwriting Guru via YouTube

Giddyup! The Differences Between Horses and Dogs

Sample lines: “Horses are prey animals with a deep herding instinct. They are highly sensitive to their environment, hyper aware, and ready to take flight if needed. Just like dogs, some horses are more confident than others, but just like dogs, all need a confident handler to teach them what to do. Some horses are highly reactive and can be spooked by the smallest things, as are dogs. … Another distinction between horses and dogs … was that while dogs have been domesticated , horses have been  tamed. … Both species have influenced our culture more than any other species on the planet.”

Read the full essay: Giddyup! The Differences Between Horses and Dogs at Positively Victoria Stilwell

Exotic, Domesticated, and Wild Pets

Sample lines: “Although the words ‘exotic’ and ‘wild’ are frequently used interchangeably, many people do not fully understand how these categories differ when it comes to pets. ‘A wild animal is an indigenous, non-domesticated animal, meaning that it is native to the country where you are located,’ Blue-McLendon explained. ‘For Texans, white-tailed deer, pronghorn sheep, raccoons, skunks, and bighorn sheep are wild animals … an exotic animal is one that is wild but is from a different continent than where you live.’ For example, a hedgehog in Texas would be considered an exotic animal, but in the hedgehog’s native country, it would be considered wildlife.”

Read the full essay: Exotic, Domesticated, and Wild Pets at Texas A&M University

Should Zoos Be Banned? Pros & Cons of Zoos

Sample lines: “The pros and cons of zoos often come from two very different points of view. From a legal standard, animals are often treated as property. That means they have less rights than humans, so a zoo seems like a positive place to maintain a high quality of life. For others, the forced enclosure of any animal feels like an unethical decision. … Zoos provide a protected environment for endangered animals, and also help in raising awareness and funding for wildlife initiatives and research projects. … Zoos are key for research. Being able to observe and study animals is crucial if we want to contribute to help them and repair the ecosystems. … Zoos are a typical form of family entertainment, but associating leisure and fun with the contemplation of animals in captivity can send the wrong signals to our children.”

Read the full essay: Should Zoos Be Banned? Pros & Cons of Zoos at EcoCation

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• Comparing and contrasting in an essay | Tips & examples

Comparing and Contrasting in an Essay | Tips & Examples

Published on August 6, 2020 by Jack Caulfield . Revised on July 23, 2023.

Comparing and contrasting is an important skill in academic writing . It involves taking two or more subjects and analyzing the differences and similarities between them.

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Table of contents

When should i compare and contrast, making effective comparisons, comparing and contrasting as a brainstorming tool, structuring your comparisons, other interesting articles, frequently asked questions about comparing and contrasting.

Many assignments will invite you to make comparisons quite explicitly, as in these prompts.

• Compare the treatment of the theme of beauty in the poetry of William Wordsworth and John Keats.
• Compare and contrast in-class and distance learning. What are the advantages and disadvantages of each approach?

Some other prompts may not directly ask you to compare and contrast, but present you with a topic where comparing and contrasting could be a good approach.

One way to approach this essay might be to contrast the situation before the Great Depression with the situation during it, to highlight how large a difference it made.

Comparing and contrasting is also used in all kinds of academic contexts where it’s not explicitly prompted. For example, a literature review involves comparing and contrasting different studies on your topic, and an argumentative essay may involve weighing up the pros and cons of different arguments.

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As the name suggests, comparing and contrasting is about identifying both similarities and differences. You might focus on contrasting quite different subjects or comparing subjects with a lot in common—but there must be some grounds for comparison in the first place.

For example, you might contrast French society before and after the French Revolution; you’d likely find many differences, but there would be a valid basis for comparison. However, if you contrasted pre-revolutionary France with Han-dynasty China, your reader might wonder why you chose to compare these two societies.

This is why it’s important to clarify the point of your comparisons by writing a focused thesis statement . Every element of an essay should serve your central argument in some way. Consider what you’re trying to accomplish with any comparisons you make, and be sure to make this clear to the reader.

Comparing and contrasting can be a useful tool to help organize your thoughts before you begin writing any type of academic text. You might use it to compare different theories and approaches you’ve encountered in your preliminary research, for example.

Let’s say your research involves the competing psychological approaches of behaviorism and cognitive psychology. You might make a table to summarize the key differences between them.

Or say you’re writing about the major global conflicts of the twentieth century. You might visualize the key similarities and differences in a Venn diagram.

These visualizations wouldn’t make it into your actual writing, so they don’t have to be very formal in terms of phrasing or presentation. The point of comparing and contrasting at this stage is to help you organize and shape your ideas to aid you in structuring your arguments.

When comparing and contrasting in an essay, there are two main ways to structure your comparisons: the alternating method and the block method.

The alternating method

In the alternating method, you structure your text according to what aspect you’re comparing. You cover both your subjects side by side in terms of a specific point of comparison. Your text is structured like this:

Mouse over the example paragraph below to see how this approach works.

One challenge teachers face is identifying and assisting students who are struggling without disrupting the rest of the class. In a traditional classroom environment, the teacher can easily identify when a student is struggling based on their demeanor in class or simply by regularly checking on students during exercises. They can then offer assistance quietly during the exercise or discuss it further after class. Meanwhile, in a Zoom-based class, the lack of physical presence makes it more difficult to pay attention to individual students’ responses and notice frustrations, and there is less flexibility to speak with students privately to offer assistance. In this case, therefore, the traditional classroom environment holds the advantage, although it appears likely that aiding students in a virtual classroom environment will become easier as the technology, and teachers’ familiarity with it, improves.

The block method

In the block method, you cover each of the overall subjects you’re comparing in a block. You say everything you have to say about your first subject, then discuss your second subject, making comparisons and contrasts back to the things you’ve already said about the first. Your text is structured like this:

• Point of comparison A
• Point of comparison B

The most commonly cited advantage of distance learning is the flexibility and accessibility it offers. Rather than being required to travel to a specific location every week (and to live near enough to feasibly do so), students can participate from anywhere with an internet connection. This allows not only for a wider geographical spread of students but for the possibility of studying while travelling. However, distance learning presents its own accessibility challenges; not all students have a stable internet connection and a computer or other device with which to participate in online classes, and less technologically literate students and teachers may struggle with the technical aspects of class participation. Furthermore, discomfort and distractions can hinder an individual student’s ability to engage with the class from home, creating divergent learning experiences for different students. Distance learning, then, seems to improve accessibility in some ways while representing a step backwards in others.

Note that these two methods can be combined; these two example paragraphs could both be part of the same essay, but it’s wise to use an essay outline to plan out which approach you’re taking in each paragraph.

If you want to know more about AI tools , college essays , or fallacies make sure to check out some of our other articles with explanations and examples or go directly to our tools!

• Ad hominem fallacy
• Post hoc fallacy
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• False cause fallacy
• Sunk cost fallacy

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Some essay prompts include the keywords “compare” and/or “contrast.” In these cases, an essay structured around comparing and contrasting is the appropriate response.

Comparing and contrasting is also a useful approach in all kinds of academic writing : You might compare different studies in a literature review , weigh up different arguments in an argumentative essay , or consider different theoretical approaches in a theoretical framework .

Your subjects might be very different or quite similar, but it’s important that there be meaningful grounds for comparison . You can probably describe many differences between a cat and a bicycle, but there isn’t really any connection between them to justify the comparison.

You’ll have to write a thesis statement explaining the central point you want to make in your essay , so be sure to know in advance what connects your subjects and makes them worth comparing.

Comparisons in essays are generally structured in one of two ways:

• The alternating method, where you compare your subjects side by side according to one specific aspect at a time.
• The block method, where you cover each subject separately in its entirety.

It’s also possible to combine both methods, for example by writing a full paragraph on each of your topics and then a final paragraph contrasting the two according to a specific metric.

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Difference Between Plant and Animal Cells

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Plant and Animal Reproduction

While all organisms reproduce, not all organisms reproduce the same way. Explore the similar and different ways that plants and animals pass on their genes.

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All organisms reproduce, which is the biological process where an organism produces and/or gives birth to another organism. Both plants and animals reproduce, though they have evolved the processes so that they overlap and diverge from each other in several ways. Types of Reproduction There are two types of reproduction: asexual reproduction and sexual reproduction . A sexual reproduction involves a single parent that produces a genetically identical offspring. Sexual reproduction involves two parents of the opposite sex. A male plant or animal contributes genetic material in the form of sperm or pollen to a female plant or animal's egg. The offspring then has genetic material from both parents. Different plants and animals can reproduce either asexually or sexually; however, a sexual reproduction is more common among plants than animals. Asexual and sexual reproduction each have benefits and drawbacks. Organisms that reproduce asexually have the advantage of producing several genetically identical offspring quickly and with little energy. On the other hand, the lack of genetic diversity among asexual offspring means they have a lower chance of adapting to an unstable environment. By contrast, organisms that reproduce sexually have the advantage of producing a genetically diverse offspring, which is able to adapt to its environment. But sexual reproduction comes at a cost, requiring more time and energy to produce an offspring than a sexual reproduction . Asexual Reproduction There are a variety of ways plants can reproduce asexually, or without a partner. For example, some nonflowering plants, such as moss and algae, reproduce by spore formation. Spores grow on a plant, then break off and grow into separate organisms. Other plants, such as strawberries, are able to reproduce asexually through vegetative propagation . This process involves using a part of a plant, such as a root or stem, to produce a new plant, and can happen either naturally or artificially. Other artificial methods, such as grafting , involve combining two plants into one by attaching the top part of a plant, called a scion , to the lower part of a plant, called a rootstock . Sexual Reproduction and Fertilization Many plants and most animals require partners to reproduce. Plants and animals share their genetic material in a process called fertilization . In plants, fertilization happens when the male shares pollen , which contains its genetic material, with a female plant's egg. In flowering plants, an egg is fertilized by cross- pollination . This process often requires an insect, such as a bee, that transfers grains of pollen from the male part of a flower, which is called the anther , to the female part of a flower, which is called the stigma . Once the pollen lands on the stigma , it passes through a long, tube-like structure called a style to reach the plant's ovaries. This part of the reproductive organ is where fertilization takes place. Some plants, called hermaphrodites , have male and female parts on the same plant, and are able to self-pollinate. Animals, by contrast, do not depend on third parties like insects for fertilization . As mobile creatures, animals can directly transfer sperm to an egg by physically interacting with each other. They often perform various mating rituals in order to attract a potential partner. Embryonic Development Once a plant or animal egg is fertilized, it starts developing into a multicellular organism. During this early stage, the fertilized egg is called an embryo. Despite differences in the fertilization process, the development of plant and animal embryos is similar. A plant embryo is contained within a seed, which provides the nutrients it needs to grow, while an animal embryo develops within an egg, outside the organism, or within a uterus, inside the female parent organism. Birth and Germination Plants and animals also differ with respect to how they give birth. Animals exit the female's uterus as a newborn or hatch from an egg that has already left the female's body. A plant, by contrast, begins its life by sprouting from a seed. The plant releases the seed, which begins to grow once it is in the soil and the conditions are right. After the seed has sprouted into a plant, it can collect additional nutrients through its roots.

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• Biology Article
• Animal Tissue Vs Plant Tissue

Plant Tissue Vs Animal Tissue

Table of Contents

Animal Tissue

• Epithelial Tissue
• Muscle Tissue
• Connective Tissue
• Nerve Tissue

Plant Tissue

• Meristematic tissue
• Permanent tissue

All living organisms are made up of the basic unit called the cell. Generally, living organisms fall into three categories; animals, plants, and microbes (microorganisms). According to the Cell Theory, a cell is the structural and functional unit of all these organisms. Unlike unicellular microbes, animals and plants show higher levels of organization. They have complex body structure. Cells are grouped together to form tissues in animals and plants. These tissues vary in their structure, function, and origin. Differences between animal tissue and plant tissue are discussed below.

The animal body is made of four different types of tissues.

All organs in the body are lined with a group of tissues called epithelial tissues. They cover the surface of all internal as well as external organs. There are four types of epithelial tissues: Squamous epithelium, Stratified epithelium, Cuboidal epithelium and Columnar epithelium. They are cuboidal, columnar or flat shaped cells. The main functions of these tissues involve protection, secretion, absorption, sensation etc..

This type of tissue forms three types of muscles, namely skeletal (striated and voluntary) muscle, smooth (non-striated and involuntary) muscle and cardiac (striated and involuntary) muscle. They help in movement by contraction and relaxation of muscles.

As the name suggests, they connect the different tissues, organs, and parts of the body. Different types of connective tissues are Areolar tissue, Adipose tissue (fat), Blood, Lymph, Bone, and Cartilage. They connect and support organs and also transport substances between organs.

These tissues are made up of specialized cells called nerve cells (neurons). They conduct and transmit electrochemical impulses between neurons.

Plant structure is different from the animal skeletal structure. Plant tissue is different from those OF animals. Plant tissues are basically divided into two: Meristematic tissue and Permanent tissue.

These tissues contain cells which have the dividing capacity. They are immature and help plants to divide continuously throughout life. Depending on the location, there are three types. Apical, lateral and intercalary meristems. These meristems increase the length and width of the stem, roots, and leaves.

Permanent tissues are derivatives of meristematic tissue. They don’t have the dividing capability but aid in other functions like conduction of substances, storage of food etc. Two types of permanent tissues are found in plants i.e. simple and complex permanent tissue. Simple permanent tissues include parenchyma, collenchyma, and sclerenchyma while complex tissues are xylem and phloem.

For more detailed information about Plant and Animal Tissues, visit Byju’s.

Human Digestive System

Frequently Asked Questions on Plant Tissue Vs. Animal Tissue

What are the types of plant tissues.

Plant tissues are basically classified into Meristematic tissue and Permanent tissue.

What are the types of animal tissues?

Animal body is made of four different types of tissues:Epithelial Tissue, Muscle Tissue, Connective Tissue and Nerve Tissue

What are the different types of meristematic and permanent tissues?

Apical, lateral and intercalary meristems are types of meristematic tissue. Simple and complex permanent tissues are types of permanent tissues.

Where are the epithelial tissues found?

Epithelial tissues cover the surface of all internal as well as external organs.

What are the types of muscle tissue?

The types of muscle tissues are skeletal (striated or voluntary) muscle, smooth (non-striated or involuntary) muscle and cardiac (striated and involuntary) muscle.

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Comparing and Contrasting: A Guide to Improve Your Essays

By Walter Akolo

Essays that require you to compare and contrast two or more subjects, ideas, places, or items are common.

They call for you to highlight the key similarities (compare) and differences (contrast) between them.

This guide contains all the information you need to become better at writing comparing and contrasting essays.

This includes: how to structure your essay, how to decide on the content, and some examples of essay questions.

Let’s dive in.

What Is Comparing and Contrasting?

Is compare and contrast the same as similarities and differences, what is the purpose of comparing and contrasting, can you compare and contrast any two items, how do you compare and contrast in writing, what are some comparing and contrasting techniques, how do you compare and contrast in college level writing, the four essentials of compare and contrast essays, what can you learn from a compare and contrast essay.

At their most basic, both comparing and contrasting base their evaluation on two or more subjects that share a connection.

The subjects could have similar characteristics, features, or foundations.

But while a comparison discusses the similarities of the two subjects, e.g. a banana and a watermelon are both fruit, contrasting highlights how the subjects or items differ from each other, e.g. a watermelon is around 10 times larger than a banana.

Any question that you are asked in education will have a variety of interesting comparisons and deductions that you can make.

Compare is the same as similarities.

Contrast is the same as differences.

This is because comparing identifies the likeness between two subjects, items, or categories, while contrasting recognizes disparities between them.

When you compare things, you represent them regarding their similarity, but when you contrast things, you define them in reference to their differences.

As a result, if you are asked to discuss the similarities and differences between two subjects, you can take an identical approach to if you are writing a compare and contrast essay.

In writing, the purpose of comparing and contrasting is to highlight subtle but important differences or similarities that might not be immediately obvious.

By illustrating the differences between elements in a similar category, you help heighten readers’ understanding of the subject or topic of discussion.

For instance, you might choose to compare and contrast red wine and white wine by pointing out the subtle differences. One of these differences is that red wine is best served at room temperature while white is best served chilled.

Also, comparing and contrasting helps to make abstract ideas more definite and minimizes the confusion that might exist between two related concepts.

Can Comparing and Contrasting Be Useful Outside of Academia?

Comparing enables you to see the pros and cons, allowing you to have a better understanding of the things under discussion. In an essay, this helps you demonstrate that you understand the nuances of your topic enough to draw meaningful conclusions from them.

Let's use a real-word example to see the benefits. Imagine you're contrasting two dresses you could buy. You might think:

• Dress A is purple, my favorite color, but it has a difficult zip and is practically impossible to match a jacket to.
• Dress B is more expensive but I already have a suitable pair of shoes and jacket and it is easier to move in.

You're linking the qualities of each dress to the context of the decision you're making. This is the same for your essay. Your comparison and contrast points will be in relation to the question you need to answer.

Comparing and contrasting is only a useful technique when applied to two related concepts.

To effectively compare two or more things, they must feature characteristics similar enough to warrant comparison.

In addition to this they must also feature a similarity that generates an interesting discussion. But what do I mean by “interesting” here?

Let’s look at two concepts, the Magna Carta and my third grade poetry competition entry.

They are both text, written on paper by a person so they fulfil the first requirement, they have a similarity. But this comparison clearly would not fulfil the second requirement, you would not be able to draw any interesting conclusions.

However, if we compare the Magna Carta to the Bill of Rights, you would be able to come to some very interesting conclusions concerning the history of world politics.

To write a good compare and contrast essay, it’s best to pick two or more topics that share a meaningful connection .

The aim of the essay would be to show the subtle differences or unforeseen similarities.

By highlighting the distinctions between elements in a similar category you can increase your readers’ understanding.

Alternatively, you could choose to focus on a comparison between two subjects that initially appear unrelated.

The more dissimilar they seem, the more interesting the comparison essay will turn out.

For instance, you could compare and contrast professional rugby players with marathon runners.

Can You Compare and Contrast in an Essay That Does Not Specifically Require It?

As a writer, you can employ comparing and contrasting techniques in your writing, particularly when looking for ideas you can later apply in your argument.

You can do this even when the comparison or contrast is not a requirement for the topic or argument you are presenting. Doing so could enable you to build your evaluation and develop a stronger argument.

Note that the similarities and differences you come up with might not even show up in the final draft.

While the use of compare and contrast can be neutral, you can also use it to highlight one option under discussion. When used this way, you can influence the perceived advantages of your preferred option.

As a writing style, comparing and contrasting can encompass an entire essay. However, it could also appear in some select paragraphs within the essay, where making some comparisons serves to better illustrate a point.

What Should You Do First?

Before you compare two things, always start by deciding on the reason for your comparison, then outline the criteria you will use to compare them.

Words and phrases commonly used for comparison include:

In writing, these words and phrases are called transitions . They help readers to understand or make the connection between sentences, paragraphs, and ideas.

Without transition words writing can feel clumsy and disjointed making it difficult to read. ProWritingAid’s transition report highlights all of a documents transitions and suggests that 25% of any sentences in a piece include a transition.

Sign up for a free ProWritingAid account to use the Transitions Report.

So, how do you form all of this into a coherent essay? It's a good idea to plan first, then decide what your paragraph layout will look like.

Venn diagrams are useful tool to start generating ideas. The, for your essay, you need to choose between going idea by idea and going point by point.

Using a Venn Diagram

A Venn diagram helps you to clearly see the similarities and differences between multiple objects, things, or subjects.

The writing tool comprises two, or more, simple, overlapping circles in which you list down the things that are alike (within the overlapping area) and those that differ (outside the overlapping area).

It’s great for brainstorming ideas and for creating your essay’s outline. You could even use it in an exam setting because it is quick and simple.

Going Subject by Subject

Going subject by subject is a structural choice for your essay.

Start by saying all you have to say on the first subject, then proceed to do the same about the second subject.

Depending on the length of your essay, you can fit the points about each subject into one paragraph or have several sections per each subject, ending with a conclusion.

This method is best for short essays on simple topics. Most university-level essays will go point by point instead.

Going Point by Point

Going point by point, or alternating, is the opposite essay structure from going subject by subject. This is ideal when you want to do more direct comparing and contrasting. It entails discussing one comparison point at a time. It allows you to use a paragraph to talk about how a certain comparing/contrasting point relates to the subjects or items you are discussing.

Alternatively, if you have lots of details about the subject, you might decide to use a paragraph for each point.

An academic compare and contrast essay looks at two or more subjects, ideas, people, or objects, compares their likeness, and contrasts their differences.

It’s an informative essay that provides insights on what is similar and different between the two items.

Depending on the essay’s instructions, you can focus solely on comparing or contrasting, or a combination of the two.

Examples of College Level Compare and Contrast Essay Questions

Here are eleven examples of compare and contrast essay questions that you might encounter at university:

• Archaeology: Compare and contrast the skulls of homo habilis, homo erectus, and homo sapiens.
• Art: Compare and contrast the working styles of any two Neoclassic artists.
• Astrophysics: Compare and contrast the chemical composition of Venus and Neptune.
• Biology: Compare and contrast the theories of Lamarck and Darwin.
• Business: Compare and contrast 2 or more business models within the agricultural industry.
• Creative writing: Compare and contrast free indirect discourse with epistolary styles.
• English Literature: Compare and contrast William Wordsworth with Robert Browning.
• Geography: Compare and contrast the benefit of solar panels with the benefit of wind turbines.
• History: Compare and contrast WWI to WWII with specific reference to the causes and outcomes.
• Medicine: Compare and contrast England’s health service with America’s health service.
• Psychology: Compare and contrast the behaviorist theory with the psychodynamic theory.

So, the key takeaways to keep in mind are:

Have a basis for comparison. The two things need to have enough in common to justify a discussion about their similarities and disparities.

Don’t go back and forth when using the block method. The best way to write your essay is to begin with a paragraph discussing all the facets of the first topic. Then, move on to another paragraph and talk through all the aspects of the second subject.

You can use both alternating and blocking techniques. Combining the two approaches is also an option. You can apply the alternating method in some paragraphs, then switch and use the block method. This method will help you offer a much deeper analysis of the subjects.

Have a reason for comparing the two things. Only select the points of comparison that resonate with your purpose.

Comparing and contrasting are essential analytical skills in academic writing. When your professor issues you with such an essay, their primary goal is to teach you how to:

• Engage in critical thinking
• See and make connections between words or ideas
• Move beyond mere descriptions or summaries to developing interesting analysis
• Get a deeper understanding of the subjects or items under comparison, their key features, and their interrelationships with each other.

Ultimately, your essay should enlighten readers by providing useful information.

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Walter Akolo

Walter Akolo is a freelance writer, internet marketer, trainer, and blogger for hire. He loves helping businesses increase their reach and conversion through excellent and engaging content. He has gotten millions of pageviews on his blog, FreelancerKenya, where he mentors writers. Check out his website walterakolo.com.

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BioEd Online

Science teacher resources from baylor college of medicine.

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Plant or Animal?

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• Print Materials List
• Length: 45 Minutes

Students explore two major kinds of living things, plants and animals, and compare their needs.

This activity is from the Living Things and Their Needs Teacher's Guide . Although it is most appropriate for use with students in grades K–2, the lesson is easily adaptable for other grade levels. The guide is also available in print format.

Teacher Background

Objectives and standards, materials and setup, procedure and extensions, handouts and downloads.

At this point in the unit, students have observed and learned about a plant and an animal. This activity provides them with opportunities to test their assumptions about plants and animals and to learn about plant and animal diversity. If students can explore outdoors, they might be able to observe the following kinds of animals and plants.

Animals without backbones

Mollusks (snails, slugs, clams): soft moist body, uses a large muscular “foot” to move.

Crustaceans (crayfish, pill bugs, sow bugs): hard outer covering (exoskeleton), jointed bodies and legs.

Insects (ants, bees, wasps, flies, butterflies, beetles, mosquitoes): body made of three segments, one pair of antennae, often with one or two pairs of wings, six jointed legs.

Spiders and their relatives (ticks, mites, daddy longlegs): body made of two segments, no antennae, four pairs of legs. 

Animals with backbones

Amphibians (frogs, toads): soft moist outer skin, four legs. 

Reptiles (lizards, turtles, snakes): dry, scaled skin, four or no legs.

Fish: scaled skin, no legs, has fins and gills, lives in water.

Birds: feathers, beak as a mouth, two wings, two legs.

Mammals (squirrels, cats, dogs, horses, cows, hamsters, people): body hair, four legs or two legs, two arms.

Non-Flowering Plants

Mosses: low-growing green plants in damp places and on trees; leaves very small. Mosses do not produce flowers or true seeds.

Ferns: long-branched leaves that start at the base of the plant; leaf divisions arranged like the teeth of a comb. Ferns do not produce flowers or true seeds.

Pines and their relatives (pines, cedars, fir): trees and shrubs with needle-like or scale-like evergreen leaves. These trees and shrubs produce cones instead of flowers.

Flowering plants

Monocots (grasses, lilies, irises, palms, onions): parallel veins in leaves, flower parts in multiples of three, leaves often originating at base of plant, one seed leaf (cotyledon).

Dicots (oaks, maples, elms, willows, petunias, clover, dandelions): veins in leaves arranged like a fan or branching from a central vein, flower parts very numerous or in multiples of four and five, leaves often distributed along a stem, two seed leaves (cotyledons).

Plants and animals are kinds of living things.

Animals and plants have some needs that are similar and some that are different.

Animals need air, water, and food, while plants need air, water, nutrients, and light.

Some plants are alike in appearance and in the things they do, while others are very different from one another. This also is true for animals.

Science Skills

Sorting and classifying

Contrasting

Communicating

Generalizing

Language Arts Skills

Understanding word meanings

Developing comprehension skills

Using descriptive language

Following directions

Teacher Materials (see Setup)

2 sets of Tillena Lou’s World cards (12 cards per set, see Setup)

Copy of Tillena Lou's Day in the Sun

Materials per Student

Craft stick, wood

Crayons or colored pencils

Paper plate, 8 in. (prepared, see Setup)

Copy of “My Science Journal” student sheet

You will need a copy of the storybook  Tillena Lou’s Day in the Sun t o read to students as part of this activity.

Copy the student sheet on card stock, then cut out each card. Each student should receive one card.

Each student also will need a paper plate. Cut a short slit in the center of each plate. The slit should be wide enough to allow a craft stick to slip through and stand vertically (see illustration, PDF).

Create a two-column chart to be filled out during class. One column will list ways in which plants and animals are alike and the other will list ways in which they are different.

Introduce this activity to the entire class. Students will build individual puppets in Part 1 and will solve riddles in teams in Part 2.

Part 1. Plant or animal?

As a whole group, reread Tillena Lou’s Day in the Sun. Call attention to the different animals and plants in the story, and to their needs. Following the reading, assess student understanding by asking questions such as, Who needs water? (all plants and animals in the story), Who needs food, air, soil, sun, etc.)? Who swims? Who hops? Who plants seeds? What do bees gather? Guide students toward noticing differences between plants and animals. Emphasize the characteristics that make each living thing special (e.g., Do all animals wear clothing? Does every living thing eat corn?).

Explain to students that they will each receive a picture of an animal or a plant from the story to make into a puppet. Distribute one card and other materials to each student. Have each student color his or her card, then glue the card to one end of his or her craft stick. While students are working, ask each to recall the role his or her animal or plant (or “puppet”) played in the story.

Give each student a paper plate. Have students flip the paper plates over (convex side) to make color drawings of the their puppets’ habitats (animal or plant), where the organisms live, their food sources, etc.

When the drawings are complete, have students insert the puppet craft sticks through the slits in the plate. Students should hold the stick/puppet vertically so that it “stands” erect. They may tilt the plate/habitat or hold it in a horizontal position (see illustrations, PDF). 

Ask each student to share his/her puppet’s habitat with the rest of the class. You may have students display their habitats in different parts of the room. 

Create a two-column class chart listing how plants and animals are alike and different. (For the benefit of those students who do not read yet, you may want to decorate the chart with pictures of plants and animals that you have drawn or with pictures cut from newspapers and magazines.) Invite students to volunteer information to complete each half of the chart. Note. After this activity, students should be able to identify some or all of the characteristics typical of plants and animals, as shown in the sidebar to the left (see PDF).

Part 2. Silly scenario

To assess students’ understanding of how animals and plants are alike and different, ask silly scenario questions based on characters in the storybook. (You may want to dramatize the concepts with the students playing roles.) The following are just a few examples.

Can a water lily climb onto the log with Tillena Lou?

Does Tee have leaves?

Does the deer produce her own food through photosynthesis?

Can Tillena Lou fly to the bird’s nest?

Do Taffy, Tee, and Tillena go to a farm to grow their own food?

Can a bee swim underwater?

Can lizards live on the surface of water?

Can the cattails eat a hamburger?

Does a duck drink its water from a glass?

Do spiders produce seeds?

After students have responded to the questions, discuss how the organisms in question actually behave.

Divide students into groups and have each group come up with its own silly scenario to share with the rest of the class or to dramatize using its puppets. OR, have students create a class book with their scenarios.

Take the students on a mini-field trip, either within the school building or around the schoolyard, giving them time to observe, write, and draw. You may want to stop at certain points to let them sit and observe. Help them find examples of different living organisms by asking questions. Have them note parts like leaves, flowers, backbones, legs, etc. Call attention to how the organisms move, where they are, what they are doing. Upon returning to the classroom, ask students what living organisms they saw. Use these observations to prompt a discussion about types of living things and their needs. 

Related Content

Living things and their needs.

The Living Things and Their Needs Teacher's Guide provides resources that allow very young students to explore living and nonliving things and learn about the basic needs of plants, animals, and people. (10 activities)

Tillena Lou's Day in the Sun

Tillena Lou and her siblings spend a lazy day imagining what it might be like if they were other types of animals. What would they need to survive?

Science Education Partnership Award, NIH

Filling the Gaps: K-6 Science/Health Education Grant Number: 5R25RR013454

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Essay Papers Writing Online

A comprehensive guide to crafting a successful comparison essay.

Comparison essays are a common assignment in academic settings, requiring students to analyze and contrast two or more subjects, concepts, or ideas. Writing a comparison essay can be challenging, but with the right approach and guidance, you can craft a compelling and informative piece of writing.

In this comprehensive guide, we will provide you with valuable tips and examples to help you master the art of comparison essay writing. Whether you’re comparing two literary works, historical events, scientific theories, or any other topics, this guide will equip you with the tools and strategies needed to create a well-structured and persuasive essay.

From choosing a suitable topic and developing a strong thesis statement to organizing your arguments and incorporating effective evidence, this guide will walk you through each step of the writing process. By following the advice and examples provided here, you’ll be able to produce a top-notch comparison essay that showcases your analytical skills and critical thinking abilities.

Understanding the Basics

Before diving into writing a comparison essay, it’s essential to understand the basics of comparison writing. A comparison essay, also known as a comparative essay, requires you to analyze two or more subjects by highlighting their similarities and differences. This type of essay aims to show how these subjects are similar or different in various aspects.

When writing a comparison essay, you should have a clear thesis statement that identifies the subjects you are comparing and the main points of comparison. It’s essential to structure your essay effectively by organizing your ideas logically. You can use different methods of organization, such as the block method or point-by-point method, to present your comparisons.

Additionally, make sure to include evidence and examples to support your comparisons. Use specific details and examples to strengthen your arguments and clarify the similarities and differences between the subjects. Lastly, remember to provide a strong conclusion that summarizes your main points and reinforces the significance of your comparison.

Choosing a Topic for Comparison Essay

When selecting a topic for your comparison essay, it’s essential to choose two subjects that have some similarities and differences to explore. You can compare two books, two movies, two historical figures, two theories, or any other pair of related subjects.

Consider selecting topics that interest you or that you are familiar with to make the writing process more engaging and manageable. Additionally, ensure that the subjects you choose are suitable for comparison and have enough material for analysis.

It’s also helpful to brainstorm ideas and create a list of potential topics before making a final decision. Once you have a few options in mind, evaluate them based on the relevance of the comparison, the availability of credible sources, and your own interest in the subjects.

Remember that a well-chosen topic is one of the keys to writing a successful comparison essay, so take your time to select subjects that will allow you to explore meaningful connections and differences in a compelling way.

Finding the Right Pairing

When writing a comparison essay, it’s crucial to find the right pairing of subjects to compare. Choose subjects that have enough similarities and differences to make a meaningful comparison. Consider the audience and purpose of your essay to determine what pairing will be most effective.

Look for subjects that you are passionate about or have a deep understanding of. This will make the writing process easier and more engaging. Additionally, consider choosing subjects that are relevant and timely, as this will make your essay more interesting to readers.

Don’t be afraid to think outside the box when finding the right pairing. Sometimes unexpected combinations can lead to the most compelling comparisons. Conduct thorough research on both subjects to ensure you have enough material to work with and present a balanced comparison.

Structuring Your Comparison Essay

When writing a comparison essay, it is essential to organize your ideas in a clear and logical manner. One effective way to structure your essay is to use a point-by-point comparison or a block comparison format.

Whichever format you choose, make sure to introduce your subjects, present your points of comparison, provide evidence or examples to support your comparisons, and conclude by summarizing the main points and highlighting the significance of your comparison.

Creating a Clear Outline

Before you start writing your comparison essay, it’s essential to create a clear outline. An outline serves as a roadmap that helps you stay organized and focused throughout the writing process. Here are some steps to create an effective outline:

1. Identify the subjects of comparison: Start by determining the two subjects you will be comparing in your essay. Make sure they have enough similarities and differences to make a meaningful comparison.

2. Brainstorm key points: Once you have chosen the subjects, brainstorm the key points you want to compare and contrast. These could include characteristics, features, themes, or arguments related to each subject.

3. Organize your points: Arrange your key points in a logical order. You can choose to compare similar points side by side or alternate between the two subjects to highlight differences.

4. Develop a thesis statement: Based on your key points, develop a clear thesis statement that states the main purpose of your comparison essay. This statement should guide the rest of your writing and provide a clear direction for your argument.

5. Create a structure: Divide your essay into introduction, body paragraphs, and conclusion. Each section should serve a specific purpose and contribute to the overall coherence of your essay.

By creating a clear outline, you can ensure that your comparison essay flows smoothly and effectively communicates your ideas to the reader.

Engaging the Reader

When writing a comparison essay, it is crucial to engage the reader right from the beginning. You want to hook their attention and make them want to keep reading. Here are some tips to engage your reader:

• Start with a strong opening statement or question that entices the reader to continue reading.
• Use vivid language and descriptive imagery to paint a clear picture in the reader’s mind.
• Provide interesting facts or statistics that pique the reader’s curiosity.
• Create a compelling thesis statement that outlines the purpose of your comparison essay.

By engaging the reader from the start, you set the stage for a successful and impactful comparison essay that keeps the reader engaged until the very end.

Point-by-Point vs Block Method

When writing a comparison essay, you have two main options for structuring your content: the point-by-point method and the block method. Each method has its own advantages and may be more suitable depending on the type of comparison you are making.

• Point-by-Point Method: This method involves discussing one point of comparison at a time between the two subjects. You will go back and forth between the subjects, highlighting similarities and differences for each point. This method allows for a more detailed and nuanced analysis of the subjects.
• Block Method: In contrast, the block method involves discussing all the points related to one subject first, followed by all the points related to the second subject. This method provides a more straightforward and organized comparison but may not delve as deeply into the individual points of comparison.

Ultimately, the choice between the point-by-point and block methods depends on the complexity of your comparison and the level of detail you want to explore. Experiment with both methods to see which one best suits your writing style and the specific requirements of your comparison essay.

Selecting the Best Approach

When it comes to writing a comparison essay, selecting the best approach is crucial to ensure a successful and effective comparison. There are several approaches you can take when comparing two subjects, including the block method and the point-by-point method.

The block method: This approach involves discussing all the similarities and differences of one subject first, followed by a thorough discussion of the second subject. This method is useful when the two subjects being compared are quite different or when the reader may not be familiar with one of the subjects.

The point-by-point method: This approach involves alternating between discussing the similarities and differences of the two subjects in each paragraph. This method allows for a more in-depth comparison of specific points and is often preferred when the two subjects have many similarities and differences.

Before selecting an approach, consider the nature of the subjects being compared and the purpose of your comparison essay. Choose the approach that will best serve your purpose and allow for a clear, organized, and engaging comparison.

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How are humans different from other animals?

There are many similarities between humans and other animals that you may have noticed. Humans and animals both eat, sleep, think, and communicate. We are also similar in a lot of the ways our bodies work . But we also have a lot of differences. Are there any differences that set humans apart, uniquely, from all other animals?

Some people think that the main differences between humans other animal species is our ability of complex reasoning, our use of complex language, our ability to solve difficult problems, and introspection (this means describing your own thoughts and feelings). Others also feel that the ability for creativity or the feeling of joy or sorrow is uniquely human. Humans have a highly developed brain that allows us to do many of these things. But are these things uniquely human? First, let’s get into the fuzzy part of that question.

A baboon is being given a mirror test. Image by Moshe Blank via Wikimedia Commons.

There are a lot of things that humans think are true about animals and animal behavior, but some of these ideas are problematic. Sometimes, when we do tests on animal behavior, we use tests that apply to animals like humans, and we expect animals to perform in a similar way if they have similar abilities. For example, the mirror test is used to see if animals have awareness of themselves as the image that they see in a mirror. If a mark is placed on the animal, they should show signs of knowing that the mark is on their body. Maybe they try to rub it off with their hands or, if they can’t use their limbs that way, they may move their body a bit to see the mark better. But what if an animal doesn't have the best vision? Do we just say that, because they can't perform the test in that way, they wouldn't pass? Expecting all other animals to perform similarly to humans on tests can be problematic. This makes learning about some parts of animal behavior difficult.

But, what we have learned is pretty exciting. As we keep learning more and more about animal behavior, we are continually surprised.

Gunnison's prairie dogs seem to have a fairly complex language... rather than just sounding a basic alarm call, researchers have found that their alarm calls can describe specific predator speed, color, shape, and size... So when is this communication complex enough for us to call it a language? Elephants have been found to communicate across miles of land through subsonic sound. And when researchers slow a hummingbird's chirp down, it seems the song may be as complex as a song from some other birds, though more studies need to be done to understand this. Do we view animal "language" as limited just because we have trouble understanding it?

This Caledonian crow is solving a water level problem. It adds small blocks into columns of water to raise the water level, allowing it access to food. The crow also had to realize that one column was too wide, so the limited blocks wouldn't raise the water enough. Image from video by Logan C, Jelbert S, Breen A, Gray R, Taylor A via Wikimedia Commons.

Caledonian crows can solve problems and build tools, and can solve multiple-step puzzles that require a plan. Are these examples of difficult problems? Where do we draw the line to say something is "difficult" enough, or that we've given an animal proper motivation to want to even solve one of these problems?

Gorillas and chimpanzees have painted pictures of birds, describing (through sign language ) that that is what they were trying to create. If they had a goal in mind and then made it, is that a sign that they had introspection? That they are describing their own thoughts? And that they are doing it by using their own creativity? Seems like it might be.

And animals do appear to feel joy and sorrow. There are videos out there showing a raven using a piece of plastic to sled down part of a snowy roof. The raven picks it up and slides down over and over again… they aren’t playing with another bird, they are enjoying sledding and having fun, perhaps feeling joy. And we continue to learn of more and more species that show sorrow, especially at the loss of members of their family or other loved ones. Animals that grieve include elephants, wolves, sea lions, magpies, and many more. A recent video of javelinas (peccaries that live in the American southwest) show that they mourn their dead. But we didn’t realize this, until it was captured by a field camera.

So maybe there isn’t that much that makes us uniquely human. Maybe we need to pay more attention to what animals are doing, and try to view the world through their eyes. And, perhaps our ability to consider other animals' feelings and hope for the well-being of these amazing creatures is our best, and most uniquely human ability.

Have a different answer or more to add to this one? Send it to us .

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Bibliographic details:.

• Article: How are humans different from other animals?
• Author(s): Dr. Biology
• Publisher: Arizona State University School of Life Sciences Ask A Biologist
• Site name: ASU - Ask A Biologist
• Date published: May 12, 2017
• Date accessed: September 10, 2024
• Link: https://askabiologist.asu.edu/questions/human-animal-differences

Dr. Biology. (2017, May 12). How are humans different from other animals?. ASU - Ask A Biologist. Retrieved September 10, 2024 from https://askabiologist.asu.edu/questions/human-animal-differences

Chicago Manual of Style

Dr. Biology. "How are humans different from other animals?". ASU - Ask A Biologist. 12 May, 2017. https://askabiologist.asu.edu/questions/human-animal-differences

MLA 2017 Style

Dr. Biology. "How are humans different from other animals?". ASU - Ask A Biologist. 12 May 2017. ASU - Ask A Biologist, Web. 10 Sep 2024. https://askabiologist.asu.edu/questions/human-animal-differences

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