Who was the first to categorize living organisms into two groups: plants and animals?

Aristotle is recognized for being the first to systematically categorize living organisms into two primary groups: plants and animals. His classifications laid the groundwork for biology and taxonomy, establishing a framework that was used for centuries. Aristotle observed various characteristics of organisms, such as their habitats, movement, and reproductive methods, allowing him to develop distinctions that would influence future classification systems.

The significance of Aristotle’s contribution lies not only in the classification itself but also in the methodical approach he employed, which involved observation and comparison of different species. This practice of categorization has evolved over time, but Aristotle's initial division fundamentally shaped the study of living organisms. Understanding this historical context enriches the knowledge of how biological classification has progressed.