Question

Basic smallest unit of classification is

• A. Genus
• B. Family
• C. Species
• D. Class

Answer 1

The correct option is C

Species

The correct option is C:
Explanation of correct option-

1. In kingdom classification, species are defined as the organisms of a particular kind whose members can interbreed among themselves to produce fertile young ones.
2. Species are the smallest unit of classification.
3. Example- House cats around the world belong to the same species (Felis domesticus).
4. They may have differences among themselves such as height, color, and length of the tail.

Explanation of incorrect option-

Option A-

1. The higher category of organisms of similar species.
2. Example- The hill crow is different from the crow found on the plains i.e. the house crow in many features.
3. They are two different species but they are crows and belong to the same genus Corvus.

Option B-

1. A family is defined as a group of genera with certain common characteristics.
2. Example- Lion, tiger, and cat belong to the same family Felidae.

Option D-

1. The group of related orders makes a class.
2. Example- Different animals like monkeys, dogs, cats, whales, and humans belong to the same class ‘Mammalia’.

Final answer: The basic smallest unit of classification is Species.