Question

What is meant by classification? State the difference between artificial, natural and phylogenetic systems of classification.

Answer 1

Classification is the process by which anything is grouped into convenient categories based on some easily observable characters.

• ARTIFICIAL SYSTEM OF CLASSIFICATION;

It gives equal weight to vegetative and sexual characters, this is not acceptable since the vegetative characters are more easily affected by the environment.

• NATURAL SYSTEM OF CLASSIFICATION:

It is based on the natural affinities among the organisms and considers not only the external features but also the internal one.

• PHYLOGENETIC SYSTEM OF CLASSIFICATION:

It is based on the evolutionary relationship between a group of individuals.