SYSYEMS OF CLASSIFICATION


            A. ARTIFICIAL SYSTEM OF CLASSIFICATION
            In this system of classification, the plants are classified based upon a few convenient characters for the purpose of classification. For example – the grouping of plants into herbs, shrubs and trees or Lineaus system of classification was based on the characters of stamens. The ancient systems of classification were strictly artificial. Theopharastus (370-285 BC) also called as the “Father of Botany” classified plants on the basis of their habit into herbs, shrubs and shrubs.
            B. NATURAL SYSTEM OF CLASSIFICATION
In this system of classification, all the important characters of plants are being considered and the plants are classified according to their related affinities. The natural system of classification was proposed by Bentham and Hooker and is the best known and most acceptable system of classification.
C. PHYLOGENETIC SYSTEM OF CLASSIFICATION
In this system of classification, the plants are classified according to their evolutionary and genetic affinities. As it is difficult to classify plants perfectly on the basis of evolutionary tendencies because of the imperfection of fossil records, and hence, at present plants are classified partly according to natural and partly according to phylogenetic basis. Engler and Prantl’s system, Hutchinson’s system, Takhthajan’s system, etc. are classified according to phylogenetic system of classification.
D. PHENETIC SYSTEM OF CLASSIFICATION
In this system of classification, maximum numbers of generalizations are made from general classifications  and totality of characters of living plants are considered and classification is based on the living phenotypes with all possible methods. Natural system of classification is considered to be a phonetic type of classification.
E. PHYLETIC SYSTEM OF CLASSIFICATION
In this system of classification, plants are classified based on the relationship to a particular line of descent. There are two components of phyletic relationship – (a) Cladistic and (b) Patristic. Cladistics and Patristics are the terms used to express the affinity in phylogenetic context.
            “Cladistic” is used to denote closeness of relationship in terms of phyletic lines and refers to the actual pathways by which a given similarity has been attained. “Patristic” is used to denote the similarity between two plants due to known common ancestry.


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