Examkin

Question

Difficulty: Very hardPrinciples of Classification and Binomial Nomenclature

In biological classification, organisms are arranged within a nested hierarchy of taxonomic categories based on evolutionary relationships and shared characteristics. Arrange the following taxonomic groups of the red fox (*Vulpes vulpes*) in sequence, starting from the category with the broadest diversity (fewest shared structural characteristics) to the category with the narrowest diversity (highest degree of structural homology):

  1. 1Phylum Chordata
  2. 2Class Mammalia
  3. 3Order Carnivora
  4. 4Family Canidae
  5. 5Genus *Vulpes*

Answer

The correct hierarchical order from broadest category diversity to narrowest is Phylum Chordata, Class Mammalia, Order Carnivora, Family Canidae, and Genus Vulpes.
The Linnaean system of biological classification relies on a nested hierarchy where each higher rank encompasses one or more subordinate ranks. Arranging from the broadest category diversity to the most specific, Phylum (Chordata) represents the most inclusive group containing all animals with a dorsal nerve cord. Class (Mammalia) narrows this group to milk-producing chordates. Order (Carnivora) further restricts membership to flesh-eating mammals. Family (Canidae) groups dog-like carnivores, and Genus (*Vulpes*) is the most specific category listed, consisting exclusively of closely related fox species that share extensive structural and behavioral traits.

Step-by-Step Solution

1
Recall the descending sequence of main Linnaean taxonomic ranks.
The standard hierarchy from highest (broadest) to lowest (most specific) rank is Domain → Kingdom → Phylum → Class → Order → Family → Genus → Species.
Higher taxonomic ranks contain a larger variety of organisms sharing fewer common traits, whereas lower ranks contain fewer organisms sharing numerous detailed anatomical and genetic features.
2
Assign each given group to its corresponding rank level.
Phylum (Chordata) = Rank 1; Class (Mammalia) = Rank 2; Order (Carnivora) = Rank 3; Family (Canidae) = Rank 4; Genus (Vulpes) = Rank 5.
Chordata is a Phylum, Mammalia is a Class, Carnivora is an Order, Canidae is a Family, and Vulpes is a Genus.
3
Order the items from broadest rank diversity (Phylum) to narrowest rank diversity (Genus).
The correct sequence is Phylum Chordata → Class Mammalia → Order Carnivora → Family Canidae → Genus Vulpes.
This order correctly reflects increasing structural similarity and narrowing evolutionary divergence.

Key Concept

Linnaean Hierarchical Rank Ordering
Estimated Time:1m 30s
Rate this question

Topics

Principles of Classification and Binomial Nomenclature

More questions from this topic