The earliest attempt to the scientific basis for classification is made by

Options

A. Linnaeus
B. Whittaker
C. Aristotle
D. Theophrastus

Answer

To solve the question regarding who made the earliest attempt to establish a scientific basis for classification, we can follow these steps:

### Step-by-Step Solution:

1. **Understanding the Question**: The question asks for the individual who made the earliest attempt at a scientific classification of organisms from the options provided: A. Linnaeus, B. Whittaker, C. Aristotle, D. Theophrastus.

2. **Reviewing Historical Context**: Before the scientific classification, organisms were classified based on their utility to humans (e.g., food, shelter). This method lacked a scientific basis.

3. **Identifying Key Figures**:
- **Aristotle**: He is known for making the earliest attempts at a scientific classification. He categorized organisms based on observable characteristics.
- **Theophrastus**: Often considered the "father of botany," he built upon Aristotle's work but did not initiate the scientific classification.
- **Linnaeus**: He is known for developing the binomial nomenclature system much later.
- **Whittaker**: He proposed a five-kingdom classification system, which came after Aristotle.

4. **Analyzing Aristotle’s Contributions**: Aristotle classified plants based on morphological characteristics into three categories: trees, shrubs, and herbs. For animals, he divided them into two groups based on the presence of red blood.

5. **Conclusion**: Based on the historical contributions, the earliest attempt at a scientific basis for classification was made by Aristotle.

### Final Answer:
C. Aristotle

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