compare the following systems of classification:
a) natural and artificial
b) two-kingdom classification and five Kingdom classification
Answers
A) An artificial system of classification is based upon one or a few easily observable characteristics, and is devised and used for a limited purpose where convenience and speed are important. It conveys little information.
On the other hand natural system of classification is based on a large number of characters. This increases the amount of information available from the groupings.
B)Linnaeus later classified all living organisms into two kingdoms – Plantae and Animalia. Whittaker proposed an elaborate five kingdom classification – Monera, Protista, Fungi, Plantae and Animalia.
Classification of organisms into groups is mostly a matter of convenience. Some people have tried to classify all biota into homogenous groups based on a theory of descent, however this has been shown to be unrealistic. The rank of various groups also shifts from time to time depending on the current view. The two kingdom approach: Eukaryota and Prokaryota has been raised to superkingdom, also called domains, The Prokaryota has been split into Bacteria and Archaea to produce three domains. The Eukaryota had the subkingdoms raised to kingdom status (again): Protista, Plantae, Fungi, Animalia. A very old system counted the five as Prokaryota (Bacteria), Protista, Plantae, Fungi, Animalia.