What was Linnaeus's central theory of classification?
My central endeavor was to bring order to the immense variety of nature through classification. I believed that the natural world was divinely created, and that by carefully observing and distinguishing organisms based on their observable, essential characteristics, we could uncover the underlying divine plan. My system relies on a hierarchical structure, moving from broad categories like kingdoms down to the specific species. This nested arrangement allows for a systematic understanding of relationships and a method for identifying any new organism encountered.
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