Question

When the Linnaean system of classification was first developed in the early 1700s, it only had two kingdoms for living things, the plant and animal kingdoms. Three more kingdoms have been added since then, as well as a higher division of three domains. Why are we still using this system if we have to keep changing the way it is organized?

Answer 1

Carolus Linnaeus developed the classical system of classification in the eighteenth century that classified the organisms into animals and plants as done by Aristotle. After Linnaeus, the system of classification got modified into three kingdom classification given by Haeckel in 1866, then it was modified to four kingdom classification systems by Copeland in 1956.

After that, it got changed to the five-kingdom classification system by Whittaker and at present the six kingdom classification system is followed, which was given by Carl Woese in 1977. This six kingdom system is the modern classification system that aligns organisms into a larger group called domain.

This variation in the system of categorizing the organism suggests that the knowledge diversifies and flourishes with the time that can modify the understanding of nature like comprehending the living world. The progression in the knowledge has assisted in shaping the system of classification.

Answer 2

The Linnaean system of classification is also known as the classical system of biological classification proposed by the Carolus Linnaeus. He categorised the organisms into two groups- the plants and animals on the basis of morphological characters.

But this system has evolved with time from two kingdoms to six kingdom system which is divided into Archaebacteria, Eubacteria, Protista, Fungi Animalia and Plantae with time due to the advancements in technology and understanding of nature into depth.

This shows that knowledge can be modified with time depending on the understanding of nature.