Question

All organisms can be arranged in order of increasing complexity. This view of life can rightly be called

• A. 'Catastrophism' given by Hutton
• B. 'Scala Naturae' given by Aristotle
• C. 'Scala Naturae' given by Cuvier
• D. 'Natural classification' given by Carolus Linnaeus

Answer 1

The correct option is B 'Scala Naturae' given by Aristotle

The great chain of being (Latin: scala naturae), is a concept derived from Plato, Aristotle, Plotinus, and Proclus and further developed during the Middle Ages, it reached full expression in early modern Neoplatonism. It details a strict, religious hierarchical structure of all matter and life, believed to have been decreed by God. The chain starts from God and progresses downward to angels, demons, stars, moon, kings, princes, nobles, men, wild animals, domesticated animals, trees, other plants, precious stones, precious metals, and other minerals. So, all organisms can be arranged in order of increasing complexity.This view of life can rightly be called as Scala Naturae' given by Aristotle. Thus, option B is correct.
Scala Naturae' given by Aristotle and not by Cuvier. Thus, option C is wrong.
Linnaean taxonomy is the particular form of biological classification (taxonomy) set up by Carl Linnaeus, as set forth in his Systema Naturae and subsequent works. In the taxonomy of Linnaeus there are three kingdoms, divided into classes and they, in turn, into orders, families, genera and species, with an additional rank lower than species. Thus, option D is wrong.
Catastrophism is the theory that the Earth has been affected in the past by sudden, short-lived, violent events, possibly worldwide in scope. This is not related to the arrangement of organisms in increasing complexity. Thus, option A is wrong.