The Android operating system is primarily based on the Linux kernel. The Linux kernel is an open-source, Unix-like operating system kernel that serves as the foundation for various operating systems, including Android. Google, the creator of Android, adopted the Linux kernel for its mobile operating system.
By utilizing the Linux kernel, Android inherits many of its core features and benefits, such as stability, security, and device driver support. The Linux kernel provides essential functionalities like memory management, process management, hardware abstraction, and security mechanisms.
It's worth noting that while Android is based on the Linux kernel, it is not a traditional Linux distribution for desktop computers. Android has its own unique user interface (UI) framework, runtime environment (Dalvik or ART), and application framework that differentiate it from other Linux-based operating systems.