Question

Which of these terms is used in the classification of species?

• A. Division
• B. Phylum
• C. Class
• D. All of the above

Answer 1

Answer: (D)

All of the above

The various levels in classification are a kingdom, phylum, class, order, family, genus, species.

(i) The phylum is second highest unit of classification after Kingdom. It includes one or more related classes of animals. In plants, instead of phylum, the term ‘division’ is used.

(ii) The class is a taxonomic group consisting of one or more related orders. For example, the class, Mammalia, includes many orders like Primata (Man), Carnivora (Lim, tiger) etc.

(iii) A family is a taxonomic group containing one or more related genera eg. Family hominidae contains apes, monkeys and man. In plants, families are categorized on the basis of vegetative and reproductive features.

(iv) The order is a taxonomic group containing one or more families. For example, the order, Carnivora, includes many families.

(v) Genus is a taxonomic group including closely related species. For example, the genus, Solanum, includes many species such as nigrum, melongena, tuberosum, etc.