Next we’ll turn to classification, which refers to a system of 

placing plants for retrieval through i.d.

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Today, many factors determine the generation of classification 
systems, but first let’s take a look at what went on before

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Often the Greeks are credited with the start of classification 
systems, but we must remember our European bias; many 
other cultures had systems for grouping plants

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These first systems were what we now call “aritifical”, 
meaning they weren’t based on sound concepts of 
relationship and evolution

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Typical categories for these systems included (much as 
gardeners do today), tree, shrub, herbaceous, vine, etc.

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Such systems are practical especially because the known 
number of species was very small at that time