Practicing Success
What is the lowest taxonomic category shared by all organisms, regardless of their kingdom? |
Order Species Family Genus |
Species |
The correct answer is Option (2) – Species The species is the lowest taxonomic category shared by all organisms, regardless of their kingdom. It represents a group of individuals that can interbreed and produce fertile offspring under natural conditions. In taxonomy, species is defined as the basic unit of classification, and it encompasses organisms that are most closely related and share common characteristics. Each species is given a unique scientific name consisting of two parts: the genus name and the specific epithet. Together, these form the binomial nomenclature used to identify and classify organisms. For example, in the scientific name "Homo sapiens," "Homo" represents the genus, while "sapiens" represents the specific epithet, indicating the species to which modern humans belong. |