Question

how would you choose between two characteristics to be used for developing a hierarchy in classification

Answer 1

we can use the basic difference among different organisms there basic difference or characters like cell structure, life style , habitats etc.
for example: in Kingdom monera it is a prokaryotic organisms it means it doesn't have well defined cell organelles.
on the other hand in animalia it is a eukaryotic organisms which means it has well defined cell organelles.
so the classifications can be done by these types of difference .
hope it's the required answer....

Answer 2

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The characteristics which is dependent on the previous one and would decide the variety in the next level should be chosen for developing a hierarchy in classification.