Question

In numerical taxonomy, the taxonomic entity of the lowest rank used is ______________.

• A. Operational taxonomic unit
• B. Individual
• C. Lines
• D. Taxon

Answer 1

The correct option is A Operational taxonomic unit

A. Operational taxonomic unit

Solution : Taxon is the basic unit of taxonomy. It is defined as a group of one or more populations of a living being which is seen by taxonomists to form a unit. A classic example is African elephants from the genus Loxodonta which is widely accepted as a taxon. Operational taxonomy unit is used to categorize bacteria based on sequence similarity. Each of these clusters is intended to represent a taxonomic unit of a bacteria species or genus depending on the sequence.

So, the correct answer is option A.