Before developing a hierachy we need to finalise the elements which will define the basis for classification.
Based on these, the common characteristics are used for forming sub-groups.
For example, plants differ from animals in their body design, process of food formation i.e. phtosynthesis, etc. But, the main classification between plants & animals is based on the property of locomotion because plants cannot move but animals can. Hence, locomotoin is considered as the fundamental characteristic for distinguishing between plants and animals.