Final answer:
Organisms were assigned to species based on their physical traits and similarities. The hierarchical taxonomy system developed by Carl Linnaeus was used to group organisms based on observable characteristics. After Darwin's theory of evolution, scientists began classifying organisms based on their evolutionary history.
Step-by-step explanation:
Before the modern era of science, organisms were assigned to species based on their physical traits and similarities. This was done using a hierarchical taxonomy system developed by Carl Linnaeus in the 18th century. Linnaeus classified organisms based on their observable characteristics and grouped similar organisms together within genera, families, orders, classes, phyla, kingdoms, and domains. However, after Darwin's theory of evolution was introduced, scientists realized the importance of classifying organisms based on their evolutionary history, leading to the development of phylogenetic classification.