Taxonomic Hierarchy Explained: Levels & Examples

Taxonomic hierarchy refers to the method of classifying living organisms into specific groups based on their shared characteristics. The word “taxonomic” comes from the Greek words “taxis” (meaning arrangement) and “nomos” (meaning method). This hierarchical system ensures that each organism can be identified and studied in an organised manner, from broad categories at the top to more detailed levels at the bottom.

Scientists use taxonomic hierarchy to explore the diversity of life and place organisms into groups that share similar traits. This arrangement typically progresses in decreasing order of breadth, starting from the kingdom at the top and narrowing down to species at the lowest level.

Main Categories of Taxonomic Hierarchy

When studying the taxonomic hierarchy in order, it helps to remember that each rank becomes increasingly specific as we move down. The major taxonomic categories are:

1. Kingdom

• Kingdom is the broadest category. Living organisms are commonly grouped into five kingdoms: Animalia, Plantae, Fungi, Protista, and Monera.

2. Phylum (or Division in Plants)

• Phylum applies mostly to animals, whereas division is the term often used for plants. For instance, Kingdom Animalia has around 35 different phyla such as Porifera, Chordata, Arthropoda, and so on.

3. Class

• Class is more specific than phylum. For example, Chordata includes classes like Mammalia, Reptilia, Aves (birds), etc. Traditionally, around 108 classes have been listed under Kingdom Animalia, although modern classifications sometimes differ from older ones.

4. Order

• Each class is further divided into orders. For instance, Class Mammalia is split into several orders, including Primates, Carnivora, and others.

5. Family

• Orders are grouped into families. For example, within Carnivora, there are families like Canidae (dogs), Felidae (cats), and Ursidae (bears).

6. Genus

• A genus consists of closely related species. For example, lions and tigers fall under the genus Panthera. A genus can be monotypic (having only one species) or polytypic (having multiple species).

7. Species

• Species is the most specific rank in the taxonomic hierarchy. A species comprises individuals that share the same physical, genetic, and reproductive traits. Scientists estimate about 8.7 million species on Earth. Some species can be further divided into sub-species based on certain distinct features.

Taxonomic Hierarchy of Plants

While most examples highlight animals, it is also important to understand the taxonomic hierarchy of plants. Instead of a phylum, plants often use the term “division.” For instance, flowering plants belong to the Division Magnoliophyta (also known as Angiosperms). From there, they are classified further into classes, orders, families, genera, and species.

Significance of Taxonomic Hierarchy

1. Organised Study: It provides a structure for biologists to organise, identify, and study the immense variety of living organisms.

2. Evolutionary Relationships: By examining where organisms fit in the taxonomic hierarchy, we can better understand their evolutionary links.

3. Consistent Communication: A shared classification system ensures that scientists worldwide can communicate effectively about species without confusion.

4. Conservation Efforts: Identifying and categorising species helps in monitoring endangered organisms and framing conservation strategies.

Examples of Taxonomic Hierarchy

When learning about taxonomic hierarchy example cases, it is often easiest to look at well-known organisms.

Taxonomic Hierarchy of Human

Humans (scientific name: Homo sapiens) illustrate the taxonomic hierarchy of human as follows:

• Kingdom: Animalia

• Phylum: Chordata

• Class: Mammalia

• Order: Primates

• Family: Hominidae

• Genus: Homo

• Species: sapiens

Taxonomic Hierarchy Example with a Plant

Consider the mango tree (Mangifera indica), a classic taxonomic hierarchy of plants example:

• Kingdom: Plantae

• Division: Magnoliophyta (Angiosperms)

• Class: Magnoliopsida (Dicotyledons)

• Order: Sapindales

• Family: Anacardiaceae

• Genus: Mangifera

• Species: Indica

Additional Insights and Study Tips

1. Mnemonic to Remember the Hierarchy
   An easy way to remember the ranks in taxonomic hierarchy in order is by using a mnemonic like:
   King Philip Came Over For Good Soup

1. K – Kingdom

2. P – Phylum/Division

3. C – Class

4. O – Order

5. F – Family

6. G – Genus

7. S – Species

2. Short Quiz
   Test yourself with a quick quiz on the taxonomic hierarchy:

1. Which category is broader: Family or Order?

2. What is the basic unit of classification in the hierarchy?

3. Which term is used for a group of species within a single genus?

4. Give an example of a monotypic genus.

3. Answers:

1. Order

2. Species

3. Sub-genus (though typically, we simply say genus groups multiple species)

4. Ginkgo (the genus Ginkgo contains only one living species, Ginkgo biloba)

4. Fun Fact
   There are many lesser-known ranks like “subspecies,” “tribe,” “subfamily,” etc., which scientists may use to classify organisms more precisely, especially when new research uncovers differences within a species.

Related Topics

• Binomial Nomenclature

• Basis of Biological Classification