What is the Difference Between Artificial Natural and Phylogenetic System of Classification?

The difference between artificial, natural, and phylogenetic systems of classification lies in the criteria used to group organisms and the relationships they reveal. Here is a summary of each system:

1. Artificial Classification:

• Involves the selection of organisms arbitrarily and grouping them based on non-evolutionary features.
• Utilizes one or two morphological traits and may use habit and habitat as criteria for classification.
• Does not employ characters from anatomy, cytology, cytochemistry, biochemistry, genetics, ontogeny, etc., for grouping of organisms.
• Homology is not studied.
• Does not provide information about natural relationships or phylogeny.
• May result in placing unrelated organisms in a group and separating related organisms into different groups.

1. Natural Classification:

• Employs several morphological characters, as well as characters from anatomy, cytology, cytochemistry, biochemistry, genetics, ontogeny, etc., for the grouping of organisms.
• Studies homology in all characters, including morphology, anatomy, cytotaxonomy, and molecular systematics.
• Provides information about both natural relationships and phylogeny.
• Reduces the chances of placing unrelated organisms in a group and separating related organisms into different groups.

1. Phylogenetic Classification:

• Also known as phyletic or cladistic classifications.
• Employs evolutionary relationships, grouping organisms based on genetics.
• Requires the use of biochemistry and molecular biology to add details to the classification.
• Phylogenetic classifications are hypotheses and are subject to further testing.

In summary, artificial classification is based on non-evolutionary features and does not reveal natural relationships, while natural and phylogenetic classifications are based on evolutionary relationships and provide information about the phylogeny of organisms.

Comparative Table: Artificial Natural vs Phylogenetic System of Classification

Here is a table comparing the differences between artificial, natural, and phylogenetic systems of classification:

Artificial classification is based on non-evolutionary features and is stable and easy to develop. Natural classification is based on morphological and anatomical relationships, explaining natural and some phylogenetic relationships. Phylogenetic classification is the modern system of classifying organisms, depicting genetic relationships among organisms through cladograms.