Table of Contents
Taxon Definition
Classification is a hierarchy of phases, where each step denotes a rank or category. It is not a one-step process. The category is known as a taxonomic category because it is a component of the general taxonomic arrangement, and the taxonomic hierarchy comprises all categories. Each category, also known as a unit of classification, essentially denotes a rank and is known as a taxon (plural: taxa).
An example can be used to illustrate taxonomic categories and hierarchy. A class of species known as insects are those that have three pairs of jointed legs in common. It implies that insects are different, distinct creatures that can be categorised, and as a result, they were assigned a rank or category. These groups denote categories. The category also indicates rank. Every rank or taxon serves as a classification unit. These taxonomic groups and classifications, which are not only physical aggregates, but also represent different biological entities.
Biological Taxonomy
Biological taxonomy is the theory that all living things can be grouped into hierarchies based on how well they relate to one another. The most general description of living things is given first—the Domain—and then less generic descriptions until we reach the most particular ones, the Species.
The taxonomy ranking is as follows:
- Domain
- Kingdom
- Phylum
- Class
- Order
- Family
- Genus
- Species
Taxonomic Hierarchy
A taxon is a collection of creatures that are categorised together. This might be general or specific. Species and orders are two instances of taxonomic ranks, which are relative levels of organising creatures in a taxonomic hierarchy. The taxonomic ranks that constitute the taxonomic hierarchy are briefly described here.
Species
In Taxonomy, a collection of unique organisms having basic similarities is referred to as a species. Based on the significant morphological differences, one species should be able to be distinguished from the other closely related species.
Consider the following: Solanum tuberosum (potato), Mangifera indica (mango), and Panthera leo (lion). The first terms, Solanum, Mangifera, and Panthera, are genera and represent a higher level of taxon or category, whereas the three names—indica, tuberosum, and leo—are particular species epithets.
Genus
A genus is a collection of species that are closely related to one another and share more traits than animals from other genera. They are collections of species that are closely linked to one another. For instance, although potato and brinjal are two separate species, they both fall under the Solanum genus. All members of the genus Panthera, including the lion (Panthera leo), leopard (P. pardus), and tiger (P. tigris), share several characteristics. This genus is different from the cat-containing Felis.
Family
Compared to genus and species, there are less-related genera in the Family category. The reproductive and vegetative characteristics of individual plant species are used to define families. For instance, the family Solanaceae includes the three genera Solanum, Datura, and Petunia among plants. Animals like the genus Panthera, which consists of the lion, tiger, and leopard, are included in the family Felidae along with the genus Felis (cats). Similarly, there are some similarities and differences between the traits of a dog and a cat. They are divided into the Canidae and Felidae families, respectively.
Order
Higher taxonomic groups, such as order, are established based on the character aggregates. Order, a higher category, is an amalgamation of families that share some traits. The order Polymoniales includes plant families like Convolvulaceae and Solanaceae, primarily due to their floral characteristics. Families like the Felidae and Canidae are members of the animal order Carnivora.
Class
There are several orders in the class Mammalia. For instance, the order Carnivora, which includes animals like the tiger, cat, and dog, is grouped with the order Primata, which consists of the monkey, gorilla, and gibbon. Related orders are included in this category.
Phylum
The next higher group, known as Phylum, comprises classes that include amphibians, fish, reptiles, birds, and mammals. Based on shared characteristics, including the existence of a notochord and a dorsal hollow nervous system, all of these are classified as belonging to the Phylum Chordata. Plant classes that share a few traits belong to a higher category termed Division.
Kingdom
In the hierarchy of animal categorization, Kingdom Animalia is the highest category given to all creatures belonging to different phyla. On the other hand, all plants from different divisions are included in the Kingdom Plantae. These two categories shall be referred to as the animal and plant kingdoms.
Domain
The highest (most generic) tier of organisms is called a domain. Some taxonomic ranks were created by Carolus Linnaeus, except the domain rank—which is a very recent development. In 1990, more than 250 years after Linnaeus created his classification system in 1735, the term “domain” was first used. Eukarya (or Eukaryota), Bacteria, and Archaea are the three domains of life.
Examples
Humans are categorised scientifically as follows:
Domain: Eukaryota
Kingdom: Animalia
Phylum: Chordata
Class: Mammalia
Order: Primates
Family: Hominidae
Genus:Homo
Species:Homo sapiens
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Frequently Asked Questions – FAQs
What are the three types of taxonomy?
- Artificial system is based on observable traits. It serves a specific function where convenience and efficiency are essential.
- Biological system is built on a large cast of characters. It expands the amount of information that is available.
- Phylogenetic system represents potential evolutionary relationships based on inheritance and descent.
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