What are the principal taxa used in classifying eukaryotes?

Sourav PanNovember 8, 2024

Answered step-by-step

Eukaryotes are classified using a hierarchical system of taxa that includes several principal categories. The classification can vary slightly depending on the specific framework used, but the following ranks are commonly recognized in the classification of eukaryotic organisms:

Principal Taxa for Classifying Eukaryotes

1. Domain: Eukarya
   • This is the highest taxonomic rank for eukaryotic organisms, distinguishing them from prokaryotes (Bacteria and Archaea).
2. Supergroup:
   • Recent classifications often include supergroups to better reflect evolutionary relationships among eukaryotes. For example, the supergroups include:
     • SAR (Stramenopiles, Alveolata, Rhizaria)
     • Excavata
     • Archaeplastida
     • Opisthokonta
3. Kingdom:
   • Traditionally, eukaryotes have been divided into four main kingdoms:
     • Animalia (animals)
     • Plantae (plants)
     • Fungi (fungi)
     • Protista (a diverse group of mostly unicellular organisms)
4. Phylum (or Division in Botany):
   • This rank groups organisms based on major body plans or structural features. For example:
     • In Animalia: Chordata (vertebrates)
     • In Plantae: Angiosperms (flowering plants)
5. Class:
   • A more specific grouping within a phylum. For instance:
     • In Chordata: Mammalia (mammals)
     • In Angiosperms: Dicotyledonae (dicots)
6. Order:
   • Groups related families together. For example:
     • In Mammalia: Carnivora (carnivorous mammals)
7. Family:
   • A group of related genera. For example:
     • In Carnivora: Canidae (dogs and their relatives)
8. Genus:
   • A group of closely related species. For instance:
     • Canis (the genus that includes dogs and wolves)
9. Species:
   • The most specific level of classification, representing individuals that can interbreed. For example:
     • Canis lupus (gray wolf)

Summary of Taxonomic Hierarchy