Ncert Questions
Question 1. Define and understand the following terms:(i) Phylum (ii) Class (iii) Family (iv) Order (v) Genus
Answer: - Phylum: it is a principal taxonomic category that comes above class and below kingdom. In botany, the term Division is used for phylum sometimes. For example, Chordata is a phylum. It contains all those organisms that have or at some point during their development had a notochord.
- Class: It is a taxonomical rank that ranks above Order and below phylum. Under class, organisms are combined based on a distinct grade of organisation with a distinct organ system layout. For example, Mammalia is a class. It contains all those chordate organisms that have characteristic features of mammals like fur, mammary glands, warm-bloodedness.
- Family: This taxonomical rank contains a group of related genera. It is classified between order and genus. For example, cat belongs to the family, felidae. This means that all animals that are chordates, mammals and carnivorous having characteristic cat like features would belong to this family. So cats, lions, tigers, leopard all belong to the family felidae.
- Order: It is a taxonomic rank used for classifying organisms below the rank class, and is made up of families sharing a set of similar nature or characters. For example, Primata is an order which contains all the primates.
- Genus: A genus is a taxonomic rank that ranks above species and below family, and is denoted by a capitalized Latin name, e.g. Mangifera. Genus is also known as generic name.