Difference between Artificial and Natural Systems of Classification

The upcoming discussion will update you about the difference between Artificial and Natural Systems of Classification.

Difference # Artificial System:

1. The system is highly useful in the field for quick identification of organisms.

2. Artificial system often utilizes one or two morphological traits.

3. An artificial system may use habit and habitat as criteria for classification.

4. The system does not employ characters from anatomy, cytology, cytochemistry, bio­chemistry, genetics, ontogeny, etc. for grouping of organisms.

5. Homology is never studied.

6. The system gives no information about natural relationships or phylogeny.

7. It often results in placing of unrelated organisms in a group.

8. Related organisms often get separated into different groups.

Difference # Natural System:

1. A natural system often employs artificial keys for quicker identification in the field because the system as such is difficult to operate in the field.

2. The system employs several morphological characters for grouping of organisms.

3. A natural system never uses habit and as criteria for grouping.

4. The system employs all these information’s.

5. It studies homology in all characters including morphology, anatomy, cytotaxonomy, molecular systematics, etc.

6. This system gives information about both natural relationships and phylogeny.

7. There is little chance of placing of unrelated organisms in a group.

8. Related organisms are placed in the same groups.