What are the characteristics features required for classification of animals into different groups
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History of biological classification begins with Aristotle, the Greek thinker. He described animal classification based on their habitat i.e., air, water and land. But classification wasn’t justified. Animals in each group have nothing in common, other than their habitat (except few). A fish and turtle can’t be in the same group. Hence, habitat can’t be a criterion for classification.
Later, scientists started to work on classification of living organisms based on their characteristics. Characteristics can be explained in many ways. A group of organisms are similar enough to be thought of together by certain characteristics. Hence, we need to define characteristics. Characteristics are the appearance/form and behaviour/function of something. These characteristics decide which organism will be in which group. For example, a dog has limbs but a snake doesn’t. A dog and a snake can move but a plant cannot.These are characteristics of different organisms. These behaviors classify them into different groups. But which characteristic should be the fundamental form or function? In above example, how should a dog be classified- on the basis of body design or its locomotion? Which of these characteristics is more fundamental?
Every classification starts from a single point. Fundamental characteristic will decide the broadest divisions i.e., main groups among living organisms. It is like the shapes and sizes of stones in the lowermost layer decide the shape and size of the top layer. The characteristics at the next level will decide sub-groups based on the fundamental one. Thus, a hierarchy of classification is built.
Later, scientists started to work on classification of living organisms based on their characteristics. Characteristics can be explained in many ways. A group of organisms are similar enough to be thought of together by certain characteristics. Hence, we need to define characteristics. Characteristics are the appearance/form and behaviour/function of something. These characteristics decide which organism will be in which group. For example, a dog has limbs but a snake doesn’t. A dog and a snake can move but a plant cannot.These are characteristics of different organisms. These behaviors classify them into different groups. But which characteristic should be the fundamental form or function? In above example, how should a dog be classified- on the basis of body design or its locomotion? Which of these characteristics is more fundamental?
Every classification starts from a single point. Fundamental characteristic will decide the broadest divisions i.e., main groups among living organisms. It is like the shapes and sizes of stones in the lowermost layer decide the shape and size of the top layer. The characteristics at the next level will decide sub-groups based on the fundamental one. Thus, a hierarchy of classification is built.
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