Courses
Courses for Kids
Free study material
Offline Centres
More
Store Icon
Store

What are the 5 demerits of Engler and Prantl's system of classification?

seo-qna
SearchIcon
Answer
VerifiedVerified
350.1k+ views
Hint: Evolutionary systems are a type of system that reproduces through mutation, with the fittest elements surviving and the least fit elements dying out. Engler and Prantl's revolutionary system is based on the assumption that flowering plants without perianth are evolutionary primitives, and was proposed after Darwin's Theory of Evolution was accepted.

Complete answer:
The Engler system, which was devised by Adolf Engler (1844–1930) and is featured in two major taxonomic texts he authored or coauthored, is one of the most important systems of plant taxonomy. The use of the terms "Engler School" and "Engler Era" reflects his influence. Engler's starting point was Eichler, who was the first to use phylogenetic principles, even though Engler did not believe Eichler was the first.
Merits of Engler and Prantl's system:
The book's main strength is its comprehensive coverage of the entire plant kingdom.
It provides a great illustration and phylogenetic arrangement of many different groups.
Because they are slightly evolved, the joining of Polypetalae and Monochlamydae into Archichlamydae, Archiaceae is placed at the end of dicots.
Liliaceae is surrounded by Juncaceae, Eridecae, and Amaryllidaceae.
Gymnosperms are treated differently in this system.
This system is widely accepted throughout the world.
Demerits of Engler and Prantl's system:
In the system, monocotyledons were placed before dicotyledons, which is contrary to modern phylogenetic concepts, which were later revised.
This system treats achlamydeous flowers in a primitive manner, which could be a derived condition. More evidence exists to show that unisexual families are more advanced than bisexual families.
Heloise, a primitive order, is sandwiched between two more advanced orders, Pandanales and Glumiflorae.
The inclusion of naturally unrelated taxa in an assemblage is not permitted.
The system is not strictly phylogenetic in many cases.

Note:
Engler and Prantl's system had fourteen major divisions in total. Algae, fungi, bryophytes, and pteridophytes were among the first thirteen divisions. The Gymnosperms and Angiosperms were both included in the fourteenth division, Embryophyta Sighonogama. If you consider the system to be phylogenetic,