Question

Genus represents ____________.

• A. a group of closely related families
• B. an individual plant or animal
• C. a population of plants and animals
• D. a group of closely related species

Hint:

To remember the arrangement of standard taxonomic levels from broadest to most specific, memorize the phrase: \[ \text{\textbf{K}ing \textbf{P}hilip \textbf{C}ame \textbf{O}ver \textbf{F}or \textbf{G}ood \textbf{S}oup} \] \[ \text{\textbf{K}ingdom} \rightarrow \text{\textbf{P}hylum} \rightarrow \text{\textbf{C}lass} \rightarrow \text{\textbf{O}rder} \rightarrow \text{\textbf{F}amily} \rightarrow \text{\textbf{G}enus} \rightarrow \text{\textbf{S}pecies} \] Since Species is at the base, the level right above it (Genus) is naturally a collection of closely related species!

Answer 1

The Correct Option is D

Step 1: Recall the taxonomic ladder.
Taxonomic ranks rise from species upward, with each higher rank grouping the ones below it.
Step 2: Place genus.
Genus sits just above species and just below family.
Step 3: Define genus.
A genus is a group of closely related species that share many common features. So the correct option is a group of closely related species.
Step 4: Give an example.
Lion, leopard, and tiger are different species placed in the single genus Panthera, showing how a genus bundles related species.
Step 5: Reject the wrong options.
A group of closely related families is an order, an individual organism is just one entity, and a population is an ecological group, none of which define a genus.
Step 6: Conclude.
Therefore a genus represents a group of closely related species.
\[ \boxed{\text{a group of closely related species}} \]