Bentham and Hooker (1862-1883)




Natural system of classification is that in which all natural characteristics of plants both vegetative and reproductive characters are taken into consideration. It is purely natural as the knowledge of phyllogenicity was not detectedNatural system of classification is a biological classification based upon morphological and anatomical relationships and affinities

Natural System of Classification
The natural system of classification is primarily attributed to the work of Swedish botanist Carl Linnaeus. His pioneering methods laid the groundwork for modern taxonomy, focusing on the natural relationships between organisms.
Key Features of the Natural Classification System:
- Hierarchical Structure:
- Organisms are classified into a hierarchy of categories such as kingdom, phylum, class, order, family, genus, and species.
- Emphasis on Evolutionary Relationships:
- The system aims to group organisms based on their evolutionary lineage and common ancestry, rather than just morphological similarities.
- Binomial Nomenclature:
- Linnaeus introduced the binomial nomenclature system, assigning each species a two-part Latin name consisting of the genus and species. This standardized naming convention is still in use today.
- Natural Affinities:
- Organisms are classified according to their natural affinities, which include genetic, ecological, and geographical relationships.
- Dynamic Nature:
- The natural classification system is adaptable, evolving with new scientific discoveries and advancements in genetics and molecular biology, allowing for a more accurate representation of relationships.
Impact on Modern Taxonomy:
- The natural system of classification has influenced contemporary biological classification and research, providing a framework that helps scientists understand biodiversity and the evolutionary processes that shape life on Earth.
In summary, the natural system of classification proposed by Carl Linnaeus has been foundational in organizing and understanding biological diversity, emphasizing the evolutionary connections among organisms.