táxons

Táxons are the fundamental units of biological classification. They represent groups of organisms that share a common ancestry and are grouped together based on their similarities and differences. The system of classifying organisms into a hierarchy of táxons, known as taxonomy, was largely established by Carl Linnaeus. This hierarchical system progresses from broad, inclusive categories to more specific, exclusive ones.

The main ranks of táxons, in descending order of inclusiveness, are: domain, kingdom, phylum, class, order, family, genus, and species. A domain is the broadest category, encompassing one or more kingdoms. Kingdoms are then divided into phyla, which are further divided into classes, and so on, down to species, which represents a group of organisms that can interbreed and produce fertile offspring.

Each level in the hierarchy is a táxon. For example, Felidae is a family táxon that includes all cats, both wild and domestic. Within Felidae, the genus Panthera is a táxon that includes lions, tigers, leopards, and jaguars. Finally, Panthera leo is the species táxon for the lion. The naming of táxons follows specific rules, often using Latin or Latinized Greek. Understanding táxons is crucial for organizing and studying the vast diversity of life on Earth.