The steps or levels into which animals are placed are called taxonomic units. Each level or unit of animal classification is called a taxon. The International Code of Zoological Nomenclature (ICZN) uses 7 recognized units or taxa of animals. During taxonomy, taxa are arranged in a specific structure. This is called the taxonomic hierarchy.
1. Species: Species is the smallest unit of taxonomy. This is called the basic unit. A group of organisms with the most physical similarities, capable of producing fertile offspring by sexual intercourse among themselves but unable to produce fertile offspring by sexual intercourse with other groups, is called a species. Behavioral and ecological characteristics of species are called niches. Species can be subdivided into subspecies, varieties etc. if necessary.
According to taxonomist E. Mayer (1969), a species is an interbreeding group of organisms that are reproductively isolated from the nearest similar group. John Ray first used the term species in 1686. Each species has a scientific name. The scientific name of all rice in the world is Oryza sativa.
2. Genus: Genus is the second unit of classification or taxon. A genus consists of several closely related species. Artocarpus genus consists of closely related species such as Jackfruit (Artocarpus heterophyllus), Chaplasha (Artocarpus chaplasha), Dewa (Artocarpus lacucha).
3. Family: Family is the third unit of taxonomy or taxon. A clan is made up of several closely related clans. aceae is added at the end of the plant family name. The family Moraceae is formed by the closely related genera Artocarpus, Ficus, Morus etc.
4. Order: Class is the fourth unit of taxonomy or taxon. Classes are made up of several closely related tribes. Ales are added to the end of plant class names. Sapindales, Morales, Malvales etc. are classes.
5. Class: A class is a higher unit of taxonomy or taxon. Classes are made up of several closely related classes. opsida is added to the end of plant class names. Magnoliopsida, Liliopsida etc. are classes.
6. Division: A division is a higher unit or taxon of taxonomy. Sections are made up of several closely related categories. Phyta is added at the end of the plant division.
7. Kingdom: All the plants of the world belong to the Plantae kingdom.
