Class XI
Biological Classification
- The scientific procedure of arranging organisms into groups and subgroups on the basis of their similarities and dissimilarities
and placing them in taxonomic hierarchy, is known as biological classification. - A classification system helps in identification of organisms and understanding the relationships amongst different groups of
organisms. - The organisms of the past can be studied only with a proper system of classification and evolutionary tendencies can be known on
the basis of relationship and simplicity or complexity found in the members of various taxa.
TYPES OF CLASSIFICATION
- There are three main types of classification-artificial, natural and phylogenetic.
Types of Classification
Artificial- It uses one or two morphological characters for
grouping of organisms. - Often results in placing of unrelated organisms
in a group.
Phylogenetic- It takes into account evolutionary
relationships of organisms. - This system is highly dynamic system
as its major source is fossil records.
Natural- It considers comparable study of a number
of characters for grouping of organisms. - Related organisms are placed in the same group.
- Some of the advocates of artificial system of classification were Aristotle, Linnaeus, Pliny, Charaka, Andrea Caesalpino.
- George Bentham and J.D. Hooker proposed the natural system of classification and some of the advocates of this system were
John Ray, Michel Adanson, A.P. de Candolle. - Phylogenetic system of classification was proposed by Engler and Prantl and some of the advocates of this system of classification
were Eichler, John Hutchinson. - Depending upon the type of system of classification, organisms are classified into two kingdoms, three kingdoms, four kingdoms,
five kingdoms and now into six kingdoms.
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