The Living World – Solutions

1.Why are living organisms classified?
Solution:
Earth is rich with a variety of life forms. In other words the diversity of life is immense on Earth. Living organisms vary in size, colour, habitat, physiological and morphological features.
In order to find out a desired organism, with known characters, from a wide range of living organisms, the organisms must be classified into groups and sub groups on the basis of similarities and relationships between them.
Biologists have organized living things into groups so that organisms are easier to study, to determine their ancestry, evolutionary process, relation to other species, and genetic information. Eventually this will lead us to a better understanding of the origin and evolution of life on earth.

2.Why do classification systems change every now and then?

Solution:
The science of classification or taxonomy changes with the development of science. With the scientific knowledge available at that time different systems of classifications were proposed.
Initially an artificial system of classification was proposed by Linnaeus. This system was based upon superficial characteristics particularly an organism’s habit and habitat.