NCERT-NEET-classification within angiosperms to understand some of the concerns that influenced the classification systems. The earliest systems of classification used only gross superficial morphological characters such as habit, colour, number and shape of leaves, etc. They were based mainly on vegetative characters or on the androecium structure (system given by Linnaeus). Such systems were artificial; they separated the closely related species since they were based on a few characteristics. Also, the artificial systems gave equal weightage to vegetative and sexual characteristics; this is not acceptable since we know that often the vegetative characters are more easily affected by environment

Name of System	Given by	Basis	Merits	Drawbacks
Artificial System	Linnaeus	Gross superficial morphological characters such as habit, colour, number and shape of leaves; based mainly on vegetative characters or androecium structure	Simple and easy to use Quick identification	Separates closely related species based on a few characteristics Gives equal weightage to vegetative and sexual characteristics Vegetative characters are often more easily affected by the environment
Natural System	George Bentham and Joseph Dalton Hooker	Natural affinities among organisms, considering external features as well as internal features such as ultrastructure, anatomy, embryology, and phytochemistry	More accurate and reflects true relationships based on multiple traits Considers a wide range of characteristics	More complex and time-consuming Requires detailed examination and analysis
Phylogenetic or Cladistics	Hennig and others	Evolutionary relationships and common ancestry	Reflects evolutionary history Utilizes molecular data, fossil records, and genetic information Helps in understanding the evolutionary process	Requires extensive data Sometimes lacking fossil evidence Complex data analysis
Numerical Taxonomy	Modern Taxonomists	Based on all observable characteristics using numerical methods and computer processing	Each character is given equal importance Allows the consideration of hundreds of characters simultaneously	Requires extensive data input and processing Can be complex to implement without proper computational tools
Cytotaxonomy	Modern Taxonomists	Based on cytological information such as chromosome number, structure, and behavior. Chromosomal structure includes the number, size, shape, and structural variations of chromosomes, while chromosomal behavior includes pairing, segregation during meiosis, and inheritance patterns.	Provides detailed genetic and chromosomal information Helps resolve complex taxonomic issues by understanding genetic compatibility and evolutionary relationships Chromosomal behavior helps in understanding inheritance patterns	Requires specialized cytological knowledge and equipment Data collection can be labor-intensive
Chemotaxonomy	Modern Taxonomists	Uses chemical constituents of plants for classification	Helps resolve confusions based on chemical profiles Can be used alongside other taxonomic methods for more accurate classification	Requires detailed chemical analysis Specialized equipment and expertise are necessary