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Learn about the comparison between Artificial and Natural Classification.
Comparison # Artificial Classification:
1. The artificial classification is based on fewer or even a single arbitrary character.
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2. Artificial classification is based on priory weighting of taxonomic characters.
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3. The characters do not show any relationship.
4. Artificial classification is a downward classification based on dichotomous branching (e.g., the animal kingdom is divided on the presence or absence of red blood cells).
5. This classification does not find any missing link or common ancestors.
6. This system does not help in establishing evolutionary and phylogenetic relationship.
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This system of classification was used by Aristotle (384-322 B.C.), Linnaeus (1707-1778), and his followers.
Comparison # Natural Classification:
1. The natural classification is based on more than fewer characters, and mainly totality of characters are considered.
2. It is based on posteriori weighting of the taxonomic characters.
3. Natural Classification is based on diagnostic or hidden characters which show relationships.
4. Natural Classification is an upward classification based on the grouping of related species that resemble each other and forming a hierarchy of higher taxa by grouping similar taxa of the lower rank.
5. This classification helps to find out the missing link and their common ancestors.
6. Natural Classification can establish the relationship among the taxa, so it helps to find out the phylogeny among different taxa.
This system of classification was introduced by middle of 19th century and most prominent authors are Ray Lankester (1847-1919), Mayr (1940, ’65, ’69), Simpson (1961), and Mayr and Ashlock (1991), and others.
