The standard classification system used by biologists today groups and classifies organisms on the basis of similar physical traits. This system was first developed by Carl Linnaeus. At the time of his work, there were other methods for grouping organisms that were based on similar habitats, similar diets, or similar behaviors. Why is Linnaeus's system the most useful one to biologists today?
A) Linnaeus's system is the simplest; the others are too complicated.
B) Classifying on the basis of shared traits points out the underlying evolutionary relationships among organisms.
C) Linnaeus's system included all organisms found on Earth.
D) Linnaeus's system relies on Latin names that make the most sense to biologists.

Question

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Classifying based on shared traits allows biologists to recognize evolutionary relationships among organisms, which is a key aspect of modern biological understanding. It helps us to understand how different organisms are related to one another and how they have evolved over time. The other methods for grouping organisms are not as useful in this regard.

The Standard Classification System Used by Biologists Today Groups and Classifies