Summary
Domain, kingdom, phylum, class, order, family, genus and species form nested ranks.
In depth
Mnemonic: Dear King Philip Came Over For Good Soup. Each level is a taxon containing more related organisms than the one above. Humans: Eukarya, Animalia, Chordata, Mammalia, Primates, Hominidae, Homo, sapiens.
Higher ranks are human constructs; relationships are what matter. Ranks differ in use across kingdoms. Subranks (subfamily, superfamily) exist.
Example: the domestic cat is Felis catus in family Felidae.
Frequently asked questions
What is Taxonomic Hierarchy?
Domain, kingdom, phylum, class, order, family, genus and species form nested ranks.
Which area of biology covers Taxonomic Hierarchy, and how advanced is it?
Taxonomic Hierarchy is one of the 52 topics in Taxonomy & Biodiversity. It is rated Beginner, so it suits learners who are starting out in biology. Related topics in this area include Three Domains of Life, Binomial Nomenclature, Taxonomy.
Can you give an example of Taxonomic Hierarchy?
The lion and the tiger share genus Panthera.
What should I learn before Taxonomic Hierarchy?
Taxonomic Hierarchy is a Beginner topic, so no earlier topic is required. Other Beginner topics in Taxonomy & Biodiversity that pair well with it include Taxonomy, Binomial Nomenclature, Three Domains of Life.
What topics are related to Taxonomic Hierarchy?
The closest topics to Taxonomic Hierarchy are Three Domains of Life, Binomial Nomenclature, Taxonomy, Kingdoms. Comparing them side by side is a good way to see how the ideas connect.
How can I check that I understand Taxonomic Hierarchy?
Read the summary and the in-depth section, then use the quick check on the interactive lesson for Taxonomic Hierarchy. To practise the whole of Taxonomy & Biodiversity, use the Taxonomy & Biodiversity quiz.
How is Taxonomic Hierarchy different from Three Domains of Life?
Taxonomic Hierarchy: Domain, kingdom, phylum, class, order, family, genus and species form nested ranks. Three Domains of Life: Bacteria, Archaea and Eukarya, based on fundamental cell differences and rRNA. Read both side by side and note what each one explains.
How should I study Taxonomic Hierarchy step by step?
First, read the summary and write the definition in your own words. Second, read the in-depth section and note any example. Third, compare it with Three Domains of Life and explain the difference aloud. Finally, take the Taxonomy & Biodiversity quiz and come back to this page for any question you miss.