Which of the following explains how the development of the microscope contributed to changes in biological classification systems?
It allowed scientists to observe and identify microorganisms previously unknown
Before the microscope, organisms were classified only by visible features into two kingdoms, plants and animals (Linnaeus).
Microscopes (Leeuwenhoek, 17th century) revealed bacteria, protozoa and other microorganisms and showed cellular differences such as the absence of a nucleus in bacteria.
These organisms did not fit neatly into plants or animals, which led to new kingdoms: Protista (Haeckel), Monera (Copeland) and finally Whittaker's five-kingdom system.
So the microscope increased, not reduced, the number of kingdoms, disproved the two-group plant/animal view, and added microscopic (cellular) characters beyond visible features.
Hence, the answer is It allowed scientists to observe and identify microorganisms previously unknown.
Important Questions from Invention and Discoveries
Experiment to prove that synthesis of organic compound formed the basis of life was performed by:
Who is widely recognized as the father of modern taxonomy?
First time bacteria were observed by
Which material did Robert Hooke first observe under the magnifying device during the discovery of cell?
Who coined the term protoplasm?
