Question

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

Answer 1

(i) Phylum - Phylum is the primary division of kingdom. It includes one or more related classes of animals. In plants, instead of phylum, the term 'division' is used.

(ii) Class - Class is a taxonomic group consisting of one or more related orders. For example, the class, Mammalia, includes many orders.

(iii) Family - Family is a taxonomic group containing one or more related genera. In plants, families are categorized on the basis of vegetative and reproductive features.

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

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