Question

Which is true of organisms that are classified in the same genus?

1. They must be in the same phylum but may be in different kingdoms
2. They must be of the same species but may be in different phyla.
3. They must be in the same kingdom but may be in different phyla
4. They must be in the same phylum but may be of a different species

Answer 1

Organisms in the same genus must be in the same phylum but may be of different species, following the hierarchical taxonomy with shared characteristics and a recent common ancestor.

Step-by-step explanation:

Organisms that are classified in the same genus share a hierarchical ranking within the taxonomic classification system, where species that are closely related are grouped together. Therefore, option 4 is true: They must be in the same phylum but may be of a different species. Organisms within the same genus cannot be in different kingdoms, as all organisms in a kingdom share more general characteristics than those belonging to the same genus. The levels of classification from most inclusive to most specific are: domain, kingdom, phylum, class, order, family, genus, and species. All organisms classified under a certain genus share a more recent common ancestor than they do with organisms in a different genus within the same family.