Question

Which are based on Taxonomy of organisms?

Answer

Depending upon the type of system of taxonomy, organisms are classified into two three, four, five and six kingdoms. 1. Two kingdom taxonomy: Given by Linnaeus (1735) in the book Systema Naturae, divided organisms into plant and animal kingdom. 2. Three kingdom taxonomy: Proposed by Haeckel (1866), introduced 'Protista with plant and animal kingdom. 3. Four kingdom taxonomy: Given by Copeland (1956), introduced 'Monera along with the other three given by Haeckel. 4. Five kingdom taxonomy: Given by RH Whittaker (1969), divided living organisms into five kingdoms, i.e Monera, Protista, Fungi, Plantae and Animalia based on the complexity of cell structure, body structure, mode of nutrition, ecological life style and phylogenetic relationship. 5. Six kingdom taxonomy: Given by Carl Woese, O Kandler and MC Wheelis (1990), divided Monera into archaebacteria and eubacteria. From all the above given systems of classification five kingdom classification is the most accepted and is further discussed in this chapter.