Final answer:
Classifying and naming organisms without comparison can lead to an inconsistent and unreliable taxonomic system, causing confusion about species relationships and issues with new discoveries fitting into the existing framework.
Step-by-step explanation:
Comparing newly discovered organisms to those already classified is essential in maintaining a consistent and functional taxonomic classification system. Without comparing characteristics, phylogenetic relationships might be misrepresented causing a disconnect between the organism's taxonomy and its actual evolutionary lineage. This leads to an inconsistent and potentially unreliable classification where newly discovered species may not integrate well into the existing framework, sparking confusion about relationships between different species. The hierarchical nature of taxonomy, much like the nested directories in a computer's disk drive, relies on accurately understanding an organism's similarities and differences to others within each nested group. Such systemic organization helps manage biodiversity and provides insights into evolutionary processes.
When scientists classify species, they use a multi-leveled system that includes domain, kingdom, phylum, class, order, family, genus, and species, where the scientific name comprises the binomial nomenclature of genus and species. This systematic approach, corroborated by various biological disciplines, is crucial in updating the evolutionary "tree of life" and understanding the natural world's complexity, thereby supporting discoveries in all areas of biology.