Questions and Answers
What is the term used to describe a unit of classification in taxonomy?
What is the lowest category in the taxonomic hierarchy?
What is the purpose of identifying characters of an organism in taxonomy?
What is the term used to describe the distinct biological entities in taxonomy?
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What is the term used to describe the arrangement of categories in taxonomy?
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What is the term used to describe the process of assigning an organism to its respective categories?
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Study Notes
Classification and Taxonomic Hierarchy
- Classification is a hierarchical process involving multiple steps, with each step representing a rank or category.
- The category is part of the overall taxonomic arrangement and is referred to as a taxonomic category.
- All categories together constitute the taxonomic hierarchy.
Taxonomic Categories and Ranks
- Each category is a unit of classification and is commonly termed as a taxon (plural: taxa).
- Taxonomic categories denote ranks, and each rank represents a unit of classification.
- Examples of taxonomic groups/categories include insects, which are recognizable concrete objects that can be classified.
- Other groups of organisms with common features can also be classified into categories.
Characteristics of Taxonomic Categories
- Taxonomic categories are distinct biological entities, not merely morphological aggregates.
- These categories are based on the knowledge of characters of an individual or group of organisms, which helps in identifying similarities and dissimilarities among organisms.
Taxonomic Hierarchy
- The taxonomic hierarchy includes common categories such as:
- Kingdom
- Phylum or division (for plants)
- Class
- Order
- Family
- Genus
- Species (the lowest category)
- All organisms, including those in the plant and animal kingdoms, have species as the lowest category.
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Description
Learn about the hierarchical process of classification, taxonomic categories, and ranks. Understand how categories constitute the taxonomic hierarchy and how they are referred to as taxa.
