Which term describes Linnaeus's approach to classifying living things into a hierarchical system?

Which term describes Linnaeus's approach to classifying living things into a hierarchical system?

• A. Binomial Nomenclature
• B. Evolution
• C. Natural System of Classification
• D. Cladistics

Answer: (C)

Linnaeus organized living things into a nested, hierarchical framework—kingdom, phylum, class, order, family, genus, species—based on observable similarities, creating a natural system of classification. This term captures the method of grouping organisms into a coherent, escalating structure that reflects overall resemblance. Binomial nomenclature is about giving each species its two-part scientific name, not how they’re arranged. Evolution refers to how species change over time, not the classification method. Cladistics is a modern approach that groups by shared derived traits and evolutionary relationships, which isn’t what Linnaeus used.

Linnaeus organized living things into a nested, hierarchical framework—kingdom, phylum, class, order, family, genus, species—based on observable similarities, creating a natural system of classification. This term captures the method of grouping organisms into a coherent, escalating structure that reflects overall resemblance. Binomial nomenclature is about giving each species its two-part scientific name, not how they’re arranged. Evolution refers to how species change over time, not the classification method. Cladistics is a modern approach that groups by shared derived traits and evolutionary relationships, which isn’t what Linnaeus used.