Taxon

Definition

A taxon is a group of one or more populations of an organism or organisms seen by taxonomists to form a unit. It is a term used in the classification of life forms within biological taxonomy.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. A taxon can represent different levels in the hierarchy such as species, genus, family, order, class, phylum, and kingdom.
2. The plural form of taxon is taxa.
3. Taxa are arranged in a hierarchical structure based on shared characteristics and evolutionary history.
4. Linnaean taxonomy is the traditional system for classifying taxa.
5. Phylogenetic trees use taxa to illustrate relationships and evolutionary lineage.

Review Questions

• What is the role of a taxon in biological classification?
• How do taxa differ at various hierarchical levels?
• What system traditionally organizes taxa into categories?

Related terms

Species:

The most specific level of organism classification that contains individuals capable of interbreeding.

Genus:

A rank above species and below family that groups together species sharing common characteristics.

Phylogenetic Tree: A diagram showing the inferred evolutionary relationships among various biological species based upon similarities and differences in their physical or genetic characteristics.