Hierarchical Classification:

Hierarchical Classification refers to a process of categorizing and organizing data or information into a structured system that is based on a hierarchical or tree-like structure.

Definition:

In the context of classification systems, hierarchical classification refers to the arrangement of classes or categories in a hierarchical manner, where each category is subsumed by a higher-level category. This hierarchical relationship is visualized as a tree-like structure, with the broader categories at the top and narrower subcategories branching out from them.

Key Elements:

1. Hierarchy: Hierarchical classification relies on a structured hierarchy, which is a system of levels or layers of categories. Each category is positioned at a specific level in the hierarchy, with higher-level categories encompassing and being more general than the lower-level categories.
2. Parent-Child Relationship: Hierarchical classification establishes a parent-child relationship between categories. A parent category is a higher-level category that includes one or more subcategories, which are referred to as child categories. The parent-child relationship indicates that child categories inherit the characteristics or attributes of their parent categories.
3. Nesting: Hierarchical classification allows for nesting of categories, meaning that subcategories can be further divided into more specific subcategories. This nesting enables a more detailed and granular classification system by organizing information into increasingly finer levels of specificity.

Example:

An example of hierarchical classification is the biological classification system, where organisms are categorized into a hierarchical structure of domains, kingdoms, phyla, classes, orders, families, genera, and species. Each level in the hierarchy represents a broader or narrower category, with species being the most specific category.