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Q6:
Define a taxon. Give some examples of taxa at different hierarchical levels.
Solution :
Definition of a Taxon
A taxon (plural: taxa) is a formal, distinct unit of classification used in biological taxonomy to represent a group of organisms that share common characteristics and are recognized at a specific rank in the taxonomic hierarchy. It serves as a concrete manifestation of a taxonomic rank; while a 'rank' defines the level (e.g., Family), the 'taxon' refers to the specific group placed within that rank (e.g., Felidae).
The Taxonomic Hierarchy: Visualization
Examples of Taxa at Different Hierarchical Levels
In accordance with the hierarchical classification system established by Carl Linnaeus [Per the Binomial Nomenclature and Hierarchical Classification criteria], organisms are categorized into nested groups. Below is a comparative representation using the human species (Homo sapiens) as the primary subject:
| Taxonomic Rank | Taxon Example (for Humans) | Justification |
|---|---|---|
| Kingdom | Animalia | Multicellular heterotrophic organisms. |
| Phylum | Chordata | Possession of a notochord at some stage. |
| Class | Mammalia | Presence of mammary glands and hair. |
| Order | Primates | Adaptations for arboreal life and large brain. |
| Family | Hominidae | Advanced cognitive development and bipedalism. |
| Genus | Homo | Human-like hominids. |
| Species | sapiens | The fundamental unit of reproductive isolation. |
Synthesis of Theoretical Principles
- Logical Categorization: Each taxon represents a grouping based on observable morphological, physiological, and genetic similarities [Per Cladistic and Phenetic taxonomy].
- Inclusivity: A taxon at a higher level (e.g., Kingdom) includes a much broader set of taxa (e.g., Phyla) compared to a taxon at a lower level (e.g., Genus).
- Biological Reality: Taxa are not arbitrary; they reflect the evolutionary history (phylogeny) of the organisms involved.
Final Solution: A taxon is a biological group or category at any level of the classification hierarchy that represents a distinct unit of diversity, such as Mammalia (Class) or Hominidae (Family).
More Questions from Class 11 Biology The Living World EXERCISES
- Q1: Why are living organisms classified?
- Q2: Why are the classification systems changing every now and then?
- Q3: What different criteria would you choose to classify people that you meet often?
- Q4: What do we learn from identification of individuals and populations?
- Q5: Given below is the scientific name of Mango. Identify the correctly written name. Mangifera Indica Mangifera indica
- Q7: Can you identify the correct sequence of taxonomical categories?
- Q8: Try to collect all the currently accepted meanings for the word ‘species’. Discuss with your teacher the meaning of species in case of higher plants and animals on one hand, and bacteria on the other hand.
- Q9(i): Define and understand the following terms: (i) Phylum
- Q9(ii): Define and understand the following terms: (ii) Class
- Q9(iii): Define and understand the following terms: (iii) Family
- Q9(iv): Define and understand the following terms: (iv) Order
- Q9(v): Define and understand the following terms: (v) Genus
- Q10: Illustrate the taxonomical hierarchy with suitable examples of a plant and an animal.
CBSE Solutions for Class 11 Biology The Living World
Chapters in CBSE - Class 11 Biology
- Biological Classification
- Plant Kingdom
- Animal Kingdom
- Morphology of Flowering Plants
- Anatomy of Flowering Plants
- Structural Organisation in Animals
- Cell – The Unit of Life
- Biomolecules
- Cell Cycle and Division
- Transport in Plants
- Mineral Nutrition
- Photosynthesis
- Respiration in Plants
- Plant Growth and Development
- Digestion and Absorption
- Breathing and Exchange of Gases
- Body Fluids and Circulation
- Excretory Products and Elimination
- Locomotion and Movement
- Neural Control and Coordination
- Chemical Coordination and Integration
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