Question

In the field of taxonomy, how are species organized into groups based on their physical characteristics and evolution?

a. Into smaller groups called phyla.
b. Into larger groups called kingdoms.
c. Based on their geographical distribution.
d. Based on their ecological niches.

Answer 1

Species in taxonomy are organized hierarchically into groups such as domains, kingdoms, and phyla based on physical characteristics and evolutionary history, known as the Linnaean system.

Step-by-step explanation:

In the field of taxonomy, species are organized into groups through a hierarchical system that reflects their evolutionary relationships and physical characteristics. This system, often known as the Linnaean system, categorizes life forms from the most general to the most specific. Organisms are initially divided into large categories called domains: Bacteria, Archaea, and Eukarya. Within each domain, more specific categories such as kingdom, phylum, class, order, family, genus, and species are assigned. Species that appear similar and are believed to be closely related are grouped together into a genus; these genera are then organized into families, and this structure continues up to the level of the domain. Phylogenetic trees are also used to represent the evolutionary history of organisms and help further refine this classification process.