# Explain how cladistics differs from traditional Linnaean classification in the way organisms are grouped together.

> IB DP Biology Standard Level (2023 syllabus) — A3.2 Classification and cladistics · Explain · 4 marks

## Mark scheme (4 marks)

1. Cladistics groups organisms based on shared derived characteristics (synapomorphies) / evolutionary relationships, whereas Linnaean classification groups organisms based on overall morphological / physical similarity.
2. Cladistics produces clades, which include an ancestor and all of its descendants (monophyletic groups), ensuring groups reflect true evolutionary history.
3. Linnaean classification can produce paraphyletic or polyphyletic groups that do not accurately reflect evolutionary relationships / may group unrelated organisms together based on convergent evolution.
4. Cladistics uses molecular / genetic / DNA sequence data as well as morphological evidence to construct cladograms, making the classification more objective and evidence-based.

## Key terms

- [cladistics](https://www.gradenine.co.uk/glossary/cladistics)
- [Linnaean classification](https://www.gradenine.co.uk/glossary/linnaean-classification)

## Related

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Source: [GradeNine](https://www.gradenine.co.uk/q/explain-how-cladistics-differs-from-traditional-d31936b5) · Published by Druglandscape Ltd.