What is the name for a group of connected cells that perform a similar function in an animal?

The term for a group of connected cells that perform a similar function in an animal is called animal tissue. Tissues serve as the building blocks of organs and are made up of similar cells that work together to carry out specific tasks. For example, muscle tissue is responsible for movement, while nerve tissue transmits signals throughout the body. This grouping of cells enables the tissue to perform more complex functions than individual cells could achieve alone.

In contrast, an organ is made up of multiple types of tissues working together, a cellular structure refers more broadly to the organization of cells, and a body system consists of multiple organs that work collaboratively to perform a body function. Understanding these distinctions helps clarify the role of tissues as foundational elements of biology in animal organisms.