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Q9(v):
Define and understand the following terms:
(v) Genus
Solution :
1. Theoretical Definition of Genus
In biological taxonomy, a Genus (plural: genera) is a taxonomic rank used in the classification of living and fossil organisms. It serves as a category that groups together closely related species which share a common evolutionary ancestry and possess a high degree of morphological and physiological similarities. [Per the Linnaean hierarchical classification system].
2. Hierarchical Positioning
The genus occupies a position above the rank of "Species" and below the rank of "Family." Within the hierarchy, species belonging to the same genus are considered to have more features in common with each other than with species of other genera.
| Taxonomic Rank | Example (Animalia) | Example (Plantae) |
|---|---|---|
| Family | Felidae | Solanaceae |
| Genus | Panthera | Solanum |
| Species | leo (Lion) | tuberosum (Potato) |
3. Nomenclature and Conventions
According to the International Code of Nomenclature for algae, fungi, and plants (ICN) and the International Code of Zoological Nomenclature (ICZN), the naming of a genus must adhere to the following strict rules:
- Binomial Format: The genus name is the first component of the scientific binomial name (e.g., in Mangifera indica, Mangifera is the genus).
- Capitalization: The genus name must always start with a capital letter.
- Formatting: When printed, the genus name must be in italics. When handwritten, it should be underlined separately.
4. Visual Representation of Genus-Species Grouping
5. Analytical Justification
The genus is considered an aggregate of closely related species. For instance, the genus Panthera consists of species like leo (lion), tigris (tiger), and pardus (leopard), all of which share the same predatory anatomy and evolutionary derivation from a common feline ancestor. This grouping facilitates efficient biological communication and aids in the study of phylogenetic relationships [By the principles of Systematic Biology].
Final Solution: A Genus is the taxonomic rank above species that serves as an aggregate of closely related species sharing common evolutionary ancestry, characterized by specific nomenclatural rules including mandatory capitalization and italicization in scientific binomials.
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
- Q6: Define a taxon. Give some examples of taxa at different hierarchical levels.
- 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
- 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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