15/07/2025
THE CONCEPT OF CLASSIFICATION
Classification is the process of grouping organisms based on their common or shared
characteristics.
Or
Classification: Is a process of sorting and grouping organism into their respective taxa according
to their similarities and differences.
Or
Classification: Is the branch of science which deals with the process of sorting, grouping and
naming living organisms according to their similarities and differences.
The principles of classification were pioneered by Carolus Linnaeus and published in the 18th
century in his book “Systema Naturae”.
The science of classifying organisms is termed taxonomy and the scientist who classifies
organisms is known as a taxonomist.
Importance of classification of organisms
1. It helps to reduce large number of groups of dissimilar organisms into small number of
controllable groups.
2. It makes easy to classify all known organisms and predict the placement of the yet to be
discovered based on already known features.
3. It simplifies communication among taxonomists worldwide.
4. It helps to show evolutionary relationship between organisms.
5. It helps to group organisms in the same taxon, normally who have many common features.
6. It paves a way towards understanding other disciplines, such as ecology and medicine.
Classification systems / approach
Classification has been very dynamic, and has gone through five systems. These are:-
a) In artificial approach: It base in one or a few observable characteristics were used.
b) Natural approach: grouped together individuals reflecting how they occur in nature and did
not reflect evolutionary history though it used many characteristics.
c) In phyletic approach: the organisms were classified from simple to complex, reflecting
evolutionary history.
d) In Phenetics approach (numerical approach): It uses many characteristics and mathematical
algorithms to group similar organisms in same cluster and different organisms in different
clusters.
e) Phylogenetic approach: This approach brings together organisms that share derived
characters in groups called clades. This approach use DNA markers.
Types of classification systems
There are two major systems of classification, These are:-
1. Artificial system of classification:
This system of classification uses a few easily observable characteristics to classify organisms for
easy and quick study.
It could be when grouping all organisms on the basis of their body size as microorganisms and
macro organisms.
Features of artificial classification:
1. Based on external features only (observable features only).
2. Requires simple skills.
3. Less accurate.
Merits of artificial system of classification
1. It is simple to identify and classify organisms, since newly discovered organisms with just a
few known information can be easily fitted in.
2. It is stable, because it does not change with time or discovery of new organisms.
3. It is less expensive, since it uses few observable features to group the organism.
4. This system does not require special classification techniques or skilled personnel.
Demerits of artificial system of classification
1. It does not consider evolutionary or phylogenetic relationship among organisms.
2. It provides only a limited characteristics or information about each member.
3. It does not allow the prediction of information.
4. It does not incorporate new discoveries.
2. The natural system of classification:
The natural system of classification is the system of grouping organisms based on natural features
they have in common.
It incorporated anatomical, embryological, physiological and molecular characteristics in
grouping organisms.
Features of natural classification:
1. Considers both internal and external features.
2. Requires scientific skills
3. Based on international standards.
4. More accurate.
5. Consumes time and is costly
Merits of natural system of classification
1. It allows organisms which are genetically and evolutionarily related to be grouped in the same
taxon.
2. It allows prediction of information missing from the organism.
3. It allows critical thinking and development of inquiry minds.
4. It is accurate, since it involves plenty of scientific research
Demerits of natural system of classification
1. It makes classification of organisms tedious or boring.
2. It is expensive and time consuming.
3. It is not stable, since it changes with the increasing diversity of organisms.
4. It needs knowledge, techniques, and skills to classify organisms.
