How would you choose between two characteristics to be used for developing a hierarchy in classification?

(N/A) To develop a hierarchy in classification,we choose characteristics that are more fundamental and basic.
$1$. The first characteristic chosen is the one that forms the broadest group and is present in the largest number of organisms.
$2$. The subsequent characteristics are chosen based on how they further differentiate the organisms within the already established groups.
$3$. Essentially,we select a characteristic that depends on the previous one and helps in creating a more specific and detailed classification.