Which term is the lowest major rank in the listed taxonomy?

Which term is the lowest major rank in the listed taxonomy?

• A. Species
• B. Genus
• C. Family
• D. Order

Answer: (A)

In taxonomy, ranks are arranged from broad to narrow. The species level is the most specific one among the options, identifying a group of individuals that can interbreed and share a distinct gene pool. A genus groups related species, a family groups related genera, and an order groups related families. Since each step down narrows the group, species sits at the lowest major rank in this list. In some systems there are ranks below species (subspecies), but among the terms shown, species is the lowest major rank.

In taxonomy, ranks are arranged from broad to narrow. The species level is the most specific one among the options, identifying a group of individuals that can interbreed and share a distinct gene pool. A genus groups related species, a family groups related genera, and an order groups related families. Since each step down narrows the group, species sits at the lowest major rank in this list. In some systems there are ranks below species (subspecies), but among the terms shown, species is the lowest major rank.