How would you choose between two characteristics to be used for developing a hierarchy in classification?
Explanation In order to maintain a defined hierarchical classification system, it is essential to elaborate the fundamental characteristics of the species prevailing under the categories. The significant characteristics that are mandatory for the classification of organisms are as under: It is necessary to classify the organisms according to prokaryotic or eukaryotic cells. The basic morphological and the body plan are necessary in order to define the organisms. The cellular structure, i.e. whether living singly or are multicellular organisms are essential for developing a hierarchical classification. The basic adaptability and living habitat may also provide an essential information for building a classification system. Final answer The hierarchical classification system, therefore attempts to classify the organisms into different discrete levels of organization. The basis characteristics that forms an essential tool for the development of the hierarchical classification system are: the basic cellular organization of the organisms and the external morphological features and the body plan of the organisms.