Describe artificial system of classification. Also give the advantages and disadvantages of this system.

Explanation

The artificial system of classification was first given by Aristotle. This system is based on comparison of one or a few characters of organisms. These characters are based on habitats, habit and morphology. Theophrastus distinguished plants into herbs, shrubs, undershrubs and trees. Pliny and Elder distinguished flight and non flight animals. Plant classification put forward by Linnaeus ( 1735-37) is aldo called artificial classification.
Advantages
(i) Artificial system is very easy to remember as it uses only one or few characters for comparison
(ii) It is practical and uses key for identification of various taxa.
(iii) It brings out those maximum traits which are of interest to human beings.
Disadvantages
(i) It uses only one or few traits for comparison. Examples`:` Birds , bats and insects possess wings and are called flight animals.
(ii) Closely related organisms get separated.Examples `:` Whale ( aquatic mammal) , But (flying mammal ) Elephant ( terrestrial mammal).
(iii) The grouping is done on the basis of external traits.
(iv) It does not bring out natural and phylogenetic relationship.