Question

Write in brief about progressive changes in animal classification.

Answer 1

There were different methods of classification of animals.

1. The first classification method was proposed by the Greek philosopher Aristotle. He considered characteristics such as body size, habits, and habitats of the animals. This approach was termed the artificial method of classification.
2. Scientists like Theophrastus, Pliny, John Ray, Linnaeus, and others used the same artificial method.
3. Further, sources were updated because science has advanced, and new ways of classifying things were proposed. Linnaeus and others.
4. The ‘Natural system of classification’ was then proposed. This system of classification was based on criteria such as body organisation, cell types, chromosomes, and biochemical properties.
5. Later, Dobzhansky and Meyer gave a system of classification based on evolution.
6. In 1977, Carl Woese also proposed the three-domain system of animal classification.