Question:medium

Define and understand the following terms: 
(i) Phylum 
(ii) Class 
(iii) Family 
(iv) Order
(v) Genus.

Updated On: Jan 19, 2026
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Solution and Explanation

Taxonomical Terms:


(i) Phylum:

Phylum is a taxonomic category below kingdom and above class. It includes organisms that share a common basic body plan and fundamental structural similarities.

(In plants, the corresponding category is called Division.)


(ii) Class:

Class is a taxonomic category below phylum and above order. It groups together related orders that share common characteristics.


(iii) Family:

Family is a taxonomic category below order and above genus. It consists of closely related genera that have several similarities in structure and reproductive features.


(iv) Order:

Order is a taxonomic category below class and above family. It includes related families that show common characteristics.


(v) Genus:

Genus is a taxonomic category below family and above species. It consists of one or more species that are closely related and share many common features.


Conclusion:

Thus, these taxonomic categories help in systematic classification and understanding of relationships among organisms.

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