Final answer:
In the Linnaean classification system, the eight taxa, from largest to smallest, are: Domain, Kingdom, Phylum, Class, Order, Family, Genus, and Species.
Step-by-step explanation:
The Linnaean classification system consists of eight taxa, which range from the broadest category to the most specific. In this hierarchical system, organisms are classified based on shared characteristics, with similar species being grouped together, forming a taxonomic ranking that reflects biological relationships. The eight taxa from largest to smallest are:
- Domain
- Kingdom
- Phylum
- Class
- Order
- Family
- Genus
- Species
Each taxon level builds upon the last, narrowing down until reaching the species, which consists of organisms capable of breeding to produce fertile offspring. Carl Linnaeus, the creator of this system, initially grouped organisms into kingdoms, and over time, additional levels like domain were included to accommodate a broader range of biological diversity.