Question

State the merits of Whittaker's method of classification

Answer 1

It is largely the most accepted system of modern classification mainly because of the phylogenetic placing of different groups of living organisms
· Separation of prokaryotes into an independent kingdom is justifiable because they differ from all other organisms in their general organization.
· Grouping of all unicellular eukaryotes under the kingdom Protista has solved many problems, particularly related to the position of organisms like Euglena.
· Elevation of the group fungi to the status of a kingdom is justifiable since fungi totally differ from other primitive eukaryotes like algae and protozoans.
· The kingdoms plantae and animalia are now more homogeneous groups than they were in the two kingdom classification as it shows the phylogeny of different life styles.
· The five-kingdom classification gives a clear indication of cellular organization and modes of nutrition, the characters which appeared very early in the evolution of life.