Classification is a process which mankind naturally and instinctively carries out, and which has been carried out from the very beginning, for the accurate identification of food, predators, fuel building materials etc. and is essential for their survival.Classifying the number of plants species is great task. Around 3000,000 species of green plants, over 100000 fungi and a few thousand bacteria and other microscopic organisms are already recognized. There are three types of classifications. They are artificial, natural and Phylogenetic .
Natural vs Phylogenetic
Natural Classification - Based on several constant characters
- Used for simple identification
- Evolutionary sequence not considered
- Example: Bentham and Hooker’s classification
- Along with several constant characters, evolutionary sequence are also considered.
- Used for studying relationship
- Evolutionary affinities are taken into account
- Example: Eicher’s, Engler and Prantl, Hutischson’s and Whittaker’s classification
