Question

Which among the following is not a criteria considered by Whittaker for classification?

• A. Cell structure
• B. Phylogenetic relationships
• C. Mode of nutrition
• D. Habitat of organisms

Answer 1

The correct option is D Habitat of organisms

R.H. Whittaker proposed the five kingdom system of classification which is widely accepted today. The criteria for classification considered by him include

1. Cell structure: Prokaryotic or eukaryotic
2. Body organisation: Unicellular or multicellular
3. Mode of nutrition: Autotrophic or heterotrophic (Saprophytic, holozoic or parasitic)
4. Phylogenetic relationships (evolutionary relationships)
5. Mode of reproduction

Habitat was not considered as a criteria for classification by him. Habitat refers to the place where an organism lives; it can be aquatic or terrestrial.