Whittaker (1959) has based his scheme of classification of living organisms into five kingdoms (namely Monera, Protista, Fungi, Plantae and Animalia) on following four bases: 1. Complexity of cell structure. There are two broad categories of cell structure: Prokaryotic and Eukaryotic. Thus, two broaRead more
Whittaker (1959) has based his scheme of classification of living organisms into five kingdoms (namely Monera, Protista, Fungi, Plantae and Animalia) on following four bases:
1. Complexity of cell structure. There are two broad categories of cell structure: Prokaryotic and Eukaryotic. Thus, two broad groups can be formed – one having prokaryotic cell structure and the other having eukaryotic cell structure. Presence or absence of cell wall is another important characteristic.
2. Unicellular and multicellular organisms. This characteristic makes a very basic distinction in the body designs of organisms and helps in their broad categorizations.
3. Mode of nutrition. Organisms basically have two types of nutritions – autotrophic (they can manufacture their own food) and heterotrophic (they obtain their food from external environment, i.e., from other organisms). Thus, organisms can be broadly classified into different groups on the basis of their mode of
nutrition.
4. Phylogenetic relationship. Phylogeny is the evolutionary history or ancestry of an organism. It is believed that the simple organisms are primitive and complex organisms are advanced. This, primitive and advance nature of organisms also helps in their classification into broad groups. For example, the Monera are believed to have given rise to Protista, from which the remaining three kingdoms of multicellular organisms have evolved.
Before developing a hierarchy in classification, we need to decide which characteristics should be used as the basis for making the broadest divisions. Then we should pick up next set of characteristics for making subgroups. This process must continue and each time new characteristics should be usedRead more
Before developing a hierarchy in classification, we need to decide which characteristics should be used as the basis for making the broadest divisions. Then we should pick up next set of characteristics for making subgroups. This process must continue and each time new characteristics should be used. The
characteristics that decide the broadest divisions among living organisms should be independent of any other characteristics. For example, nature of cell and form of the body is considered to classify organisms into broad divisions (e.g., Prokaryotes and Eukaryotes). The characteristics of the next level should be
dependent on the previous one that will decide the subsequent divisions of the groups.
The Classification of have the followings advantages: 1. Classification of organisms according to a definite plan facilitates their identification and makes their study convenient. 2. There is a vast number of organisms in this world. It is not possible by the individual human being to know about alRead more
The Classification of have the followings advantages:
1. Classification of organisms according to a definite plan facilitates their identification and makes their study convenient.
2. There is a vast number of organisms in this world. It is not possible by the individual human being to know about all individuals. Thus, the study of a few representatives from each group gives a broad idea of the life as a whole.
3. Classification gives information about the organisms which do not occur in one’s locality.
4. Classification reveals evolution trends by showing gradually increasing complexity of structure in various groups of organisms.
Explain the basis for groupings into five kingdoms.
Whittaker (1959) has based his scheme of classification of living organisms into five kingdoms (namely Monera, Protista, Fungi, Plantae and Animalia) on following four bases: 1. Complexity of cell structure. There are two broad categories of cell structure: Prokaryotic and Eukaryotic. Thus, two broaRead more
Whittaker (1959) has based his scheme of classification of living organisms into five kingdoms (namely Monera, Protista, Fungi, Plantae and Animalia) on following four bases:
See less1. Complexity of cell structure. There are two broad categories of cell structure: Prokaryotic and Eukaryotic. Thus, two broad groups can be formed – one having prokaryotic cell structure and the other having eukaryotic cell structure. Presence or absence of cell wall is another important characteristic.
2. Unicellular and multicellular organisms. This characteristic makes a very basic distinction in the body designs of organisms and helps in their broad categorizations.
3. Mode of nutrition. Organisms basically have two types of nutritions – autotrophic (they can manufacture their own food) and heterotrophic (they obtain their food from external environment, i.e., from other organisms). Thus, organisms can be broadly classified into different groups on the basis of their mode of
nutrition.
4. Phylogenetic relationship. Phylogeny is the evolutionary history or ancestry of an organism. It is believed that the simple organisms are primitive and complex organisms are advanced. This, primitive and advance nature of organisms also helps in their classification into broad groups. For example, the Monera are believed to have given rise to Protista, from which the remaining three kingdoms of multicellular organisms have evolved.
How would you choose between two characteristics to be used for developing a hierarchy in classification?
Before developing a hierarchy in classification, we need to decide which characteristics should be used as the basis for making the broadest divisions. Then we should pick up next set of characteristics for making subgroups. This process must continue and each time new characteristics should be usedRead more
Before developing a hierarchy in classification, we need to decide which characteristics should be used as the basis for making the broadest divisions. Then we should pick up next set of characteristics for making subgroups. This process must continue and each time new characteristics should be used. The
See lesscharacteristics that decide the broadest divisions among living organisms should be independent of any other characteristics. For example, nature of cell and form of the body is considered to classify organisms into broad divisions (e.g., Prokaryotes and Eukaryotes). The characteristics of the next level should be
dependent on the previous one that will decide the subsequent divisions of the groups.
What are the advantages of classifying organisms?
The Classification of have the followings advantages: 1. Classification of organisms according to a definite plan facilitates their identification and makes their study convenient. 2. There is a vast number of organisms in this world. It is not possible by the individual human being to know about alRead more
The Classification of have the followings advantages:
See less1. Classification of organisms according to a definite plan facilitates their identification and makes their study convenient.
2. There is a vast number of organisms in this world. It is not possible by the individual human being to know about all individuals. Thus, the study of a few representatives from each group gives a broad idea of the life as a whole.
3. Classification gives information about the organisms which do not occur in one’s locality.
4. Classification reveals evolution trends by showing gradually increasing complexity of structure in various groups of organisms.