Question

State the merits of Whittaker's method of classification.
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Answer 1

The merits of Whittaker's method of classification are as follow -

• Whittaker's system is widely accepted due to the phylogenetic position of different groups of living organisms.
• The prokaryotes and eukaryotes are placed in different kingdoms.
• All fungi have been placed separately in kingdom Fungi due to their cellular properties.
• The evolution process is clearly explained with more information about cell organization, properties, and diets.
• All the unicellular eukaryotes have been placed separately in Protista.

In 1969, R.H.Whittaker proposed an elaborate classification of five kingdoms: Monera, Protista, Fungi, Plantae, and Animalia. The main criteria used for classifying the five kingdoms were cellular structure, body organization,  and reproduction process, and evolutionary relationships.