Chapter 17, Problem 16A

Summary Introduction

Introduction:

Linnaeus’s system of classification was the first formal system of taxonomic organization. His method of naming organisms is called binomial nomenclature. Taxonomy is study of identifying, naming and classifying species based on natural relationships. The taxonomic categories are part of a nested hierarchal system- each category is contained within another, as they are arranged from broadest to most specific.

Answer to Problem 16A

Correct answer:

The correct answer is option A. family

Explanation of Solution

Explanation/justification for the correct answer:

Option A. family − Domestic cat and coyote, both belong to the order Carnivora but domestic cat belong to the family Felidae and coyote belong to the family Canidae. Since their families are different they diverge from family onwards.

Hence this is the correct option.

Explanation for incorrect answer:

Option B. class − Domestic cat and coyote, both belong to the same class Mammalia but domestic cat belong to the family Felidae and coyote belong to the family Canidae. Since their families are different they diverge from family onwards.

Hence this is not the correct option.

Option C. order- Domestic cat and coyote, both belong to the same order Carnivora but domestic cat belong to the family Felidae and coyote belong to the family Canidae. Since their families are different they diverge from family onwards.

Hence this is not the correct option.

Option D. genus − Domestic cat and coyote, both belong to different genuses but before genus they belong to different families. Domestic cat belong to the family Felidae and coyote belong to the family Canidae. Since their families are different they diverge from family onwards.

Hence this is not the correct option.