Final answer:
The true statement about the taxonomic classification system is that species are the most specific category of classification. This system organizes living organisms into hierarchical categories from domains down to species, where domains are the broadest and species are the most specific.
Step-by-step explanation:
The question pertains to the taxonomic classification system which is used to organize and categorize living organisms into hierarchical levels. Among the provided options, one statement is true concerning this system:
- d. Species are the most specific category of classification.
The taxonomic classification system arranges life forms from the broadest to the most specific categories. The most broad category is the domain, of which there are currently three: Bacteria, Archaea, and Eukarya. Within these domains, life forms are further classified into the kingdom, followed by phylum, class, order, family, genus, and the most specific level, which is the species. Every species has a unique twofold name in a system known as binomial nomenclature. These names consist of the genus to which the species belongs, followed by a unique identifier for the species within the genus.
To address the statements in the question, here is why option 'd' is the correct answer:
- 'There are more domains than kingdoms' is incorrect because domains are the highest taxonomic rank, and there are fewer of them (three) than kingdoms.
- 'Kingdoms are the top category of classification' is incorrect because domains, not kingdoms, are the top category.
- 'A phylum may be represented in more than one kingdom' is incorrect because a phylum resides within a single kingdom.
- 'Species are the most specific category of classification' is correct, as this designation applies to individual organisms that can interbreed and produce fertile offspring.