If you find a new organism in a pond, what features will you observe to classify it and why? [Pg. No. 247]

To classify a new organism found in a pond, I would observe whether it is unicellular or multicellular, whether its cells have a true nucleus, whether it has a cell wall or chlorophyll, and how it obtains food, that is, whether it is autotrophic or heterotrophic. I would also study its body organisation, mode of movement, reproduction, and special features such as fins, flagella, cilia or segmented body parts. These features are important because classification is based on similarities and differences in basic structure, nutrition, organisation and complexity. For example, an organism with chlorophyll and a cell wall may be placed among plant-like organisms, while a motile organism without chlorophyll may be classified among animal-like organisms.