Final answer:
The seven steps of classification, ordered from largest to smallest, are: Domain, Kingdom, Phylum, Class, Order, Family, Genus, and Species. The Domain is the largest taxon, while Species is the smallest, most specific taxon.
Step-by-step explanation:
The seven steps of classification in order, from the largest to the smallest taxon, are as follows:
Domain
Kingdom
Phylum
Class
Order
Family
Genus
Species
In this system, the largest taxon is the Domain, which encompasses all other taxa and divides organisms into three major categories: Bacteria, Archaea, and Eukarya. The smallest taxon is the Species, which is the most specific and exclusive classification, representing a group of organisms that can interbreed and produce fertile offspring. This hierarchical model reflects the evolutionary relationships among organisms, grouping those that are more closely related at narrower levels.