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What is meant by artificial and natural classification?

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Solution

Artificial classification is the ordering of organisms into groups on the basis of non-evolutionary features (e.g. the grouping together of plants according to the number and situation of their stamens, styles, and stigmas rather than their evolutionary relationships).

Natural system is a biological classification based upon morphological and anatomical relationships and affinities considered in the light of phylogeny and embryology; specifically : a system in botany other than the artificial or sexual system established by Linnaeus. Difference between Artificial and Natural Systems of Classification
Difference # Artificial System:

1. The system is highly useful in the field for quick identification of organisms.
2. Artificial system often utilizes one or two morphological traits.
3. An artificial system may use habit and habitat as criteria for classification.
4. The system does not employ characters from anatomy, cytology, cytochemistry, bio­chemistry, genetics, ontogeny, etc. for grouping of organisms.
5. Homology is never studied.
6. The system gives no information about natural relationships or phylogeny.
7. It often results in placing of unrelated organisms in a group.
8. Related organisms often get separated into different groups.

Difference # Natural System:

1. A natural system often employs artificial keys for quicker identification in the field because the system as such is difficult to operate in the field.
2. The system employs several morphological characters for grouping of organisms.
3. A natural system never uses habit and as criteria for grouping.
4. The system employs all these information’s.
5. It studies homology in all characters including morphology, anatomy, cytotaxonomy, molecular systematics, etc.
6. This system gives information about both natural relationships and phylogeny.
7. There is little chance of placing of unrelated organisms in a group.
8. Related organisms are placed in the same groups.


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