Chapter 17, Problem 13STP

Summary Introduction

To infer:

The reason that Aristotle used only two-kingdom system to classify living things.

Introduction:

Scientists use the system of classification to organize all living things. Understanding classification helps us to study organisms and their evolutionary relationships. Classification allows living things to be organized according to their common characteristics and how closely they are related to each other.

Answer to Problem 13STP

Aristotle used a two kingdom system of classification to organize living things into plants and animals because of lack of evolutionary evidences and resources. He believed in the idea that species are unchanging.

Explanation of Solution

Classification is grouping of organisms based on a set of criteria. Aristotle developed the first widely accepted system of biological classification. He classified living organisms into two groups- plants and animals. Animals were classified according to the presence or absence of “red blood”. They were further grouped according to their habitats and morphology. Plants were classified according to their average size and structures as herbs, shrubs and trees.

Aristotle’s system of classification was based on the idea that species are distinct, separate and unchanging. His system did not account for evolutionary relationships.