Question

Explain merits and demerits of Whittaker classification in short

Answer 1

Answer:

Merits:

- The separation of prokaryotes as a different kingdom is useful and fits into the contemporary understanding of various organisms.

- This classification is helpful in understanding the progression and development of cellular organization and mode of nutrition.

- This classification remains in par with and supports the theory of evolution by Darwin.

Demerits:

- The classification of kingdoms Monera and Protista are problematic. For one both the kingdoms include organisms with and without cell wall and ones that are autotrophic and heterotrophic.

- Viruses do not get a proper classification.

- Slime moulds, in spite of being considerably different from the rest of its counterparts in the kingdom, have been classified under Protista.

-  Certain organisms under Protista are not eukaryotic, rather mesokaryotic.