Genus (biology): Difference between revisions
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imported>Richard Pinch (New entry, just a stub, amazed this hadn't been done already, need attention from an expert) |
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[[Image:Ficheiro.png|thumb|100px|The hierarchy of taxonomic classification]] | |||
In [[biology]], a '''genus''' (plural '''genera''') is a [[taxon]], or taxonomic unit in a hierarchical system, forming the level of classification next above [[species]], grouping individuals together based on similarities between those individuals. | |||
In [[binomial nomenclature]], the scientific name of an organism is given as genus followed by species. For example, ''[[Felis silvestris]]'' (the [[wildcat]]) and ''[[Felis chaus]]'' (the [[jungle cat]]) are the names of two species within the genus ''[[Felis]]''. | |||
The figure at the right illustrates the hierarchy of the various levels. | |||
Revision as of 06:51, 1 January 2009
In biology, a genus (plural genera) is a taxon, or taxonomic unit in a hierarchical system, forming the level of classification next above species, grouping individuals together based on similarities between those individuals.
In binomial nomenclature, the scientific name of an organism is given as genus followed by species. For example, Felis silvestris (the wildcat) and Felis chaus (the jungle cat) are the names of two species within the genus Felis.
The figure at the right illustrates the hierarchy of the various levels.