Question

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

Answer 1

To develop any hierarchy one must look first for the basic characteristic that might prove to give broad divisions. Elementary characteristics are prioritized over all other characteristics. Basically the main focus should be one that characteristic that is independent of others. For example to classify organisms we would look for the nature of cells for broadest division of that organism. And then next level of classification would be picked for further sub-grouping. 

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.