Question

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

Answer 1

Whenever we classify organisms, we tend to create broader groups at the top and narrow down the criterion until we arrive at the final group, or species. 

Suppose two characteristics, let us say "Carnivore" and "No Cell Wall", we have to see which one will classify a broader group. Obviously having no cell wall is a broader group (animals) out of which only a few are carnivorous. Hence we will take this characteristic first and use the narrower group lower down.

Doesn't have to be these characteristics -- just giving an example.

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.