What is the Basis of Classification of Plants and Animals
The method of arranging organisms into groups on the basis of similarities & differences is called classification.
The taxonomy is the study of diversity & kind of organism & the evolutionary relationship among them.
Basis of Classification
Some examples of such characters, used in grouping and sub-grouping of organisms, are as follows :
Cells are prokaryotic or eukaryotic :
Organisms may be grouped into two broad categories on the basis whether they possess prokaryotic cells or eukaryotic cells. In case of prokaryotic cells the nuclei and other organelles are not clearly developed. The eukaryotic cells, on the other hand, have membrane-bound organelles, including a nucleus.
Cells occur singly or in clusters :
Many organisms are unicellular, i.e., made up of only one cell, e.g. Amoeba. Others are multicellular. i.e., cells groups together to form single organism (e.g., insect). In case of multicellular organisms the different groups of cells carry out specialized functions.
Organism is photosynthetic or takes food from outside :
Green plants perform photosynthesis and synthesise their own food. Animals cannot perform photosynthesis. They get food from outside.
Organisation of different body parts :
Grouping of organism may be done on the basis of body organization. For example, plants possess stem, root and leaves. Similarly, the animals possess specialized organs to perform different functions. The characteristics based on body design used for classification of plants is quite different then used for classifying animals.