Which of the following correctly identifies the taxonomic rank of &quo...
The term "Homo" in the scientific name "Homo sapiens" designates the genus of the species. In the binomial nomenclature system, the first part of the name refers to the genus, while the second part, "sapiens," specifies the species itself.
Topic in NCERT: Genus
Line in NCERT: "human beings belong to the species sapiens which is grouped in the genus homo."
Which of the following correctly identifies the taxonomic rank of &quo...
Understanding Taxonomic Ranks
In biological classification, organisms are categorized into hierarchical ranks, which help in identifying and organizing species based on shared characteristics. The scientific name of an organism usually follows the binomial nomenclature system established by Carl Linnaeus, comprising two parts: the genus and the species.
Role of "Homo" in "Homo sapiens"
- The term "Homo" in "Homo sapiens" refers specifically to the genus.
- A genus is a higher taxonomic rank that groups together species that are closely related and share a common ancestor.
Taxonomic Hierarchy
- The hierarchy of biological classification includes several ranks:
- Kingdom
- Phylum
- Class
- Order
- Family
- Genus
- Species
Importance of Genus
- The genus is crucial in identifying the organism and differentiating it from others.
- "Homo" includes several species, such as "Homo neanderthalensis" (Neanderthals) and "Homo erectus," indicating a broader grouping.
Conclusion
Given the above explanation, option 'B' is correct. "Homo" is indeed the genus for "Homo sapiens," while "sapiens" identifies the specific species within that genus. This classification helps scientists communicate effectively about organisms and understand their relationships within the tree of life.