Why? It allows better communication between scientists and avoids confusion.
TAXONOMY - the theory and practise of biological classification.
There are two main forms:
- ARTIFICIAL CLASSIFICATION - divides organisms according to their differences. E.g. colour, size, number of legs (ANALOGUS characteristics). It is only temporary.
- NATURAL CLASSIFICATION - based on evolutionary relationships between organisms and their ancestors.
- Classifies species into groups based on their shared features derived from their ancestors.
- Arranges the group into a heirarchy, groups are contained within larger composite groups with no overlap.
Relationships in natural classification are based on HOMOLOGUS CHARACTERISTICS - similar evolutionary origins regardless of their functions as an adult of a species.
All systems of classificationa are human interventions, for our convenience.
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