Chapter 19, Problem 4STP

Summary Introduction

Introduction :

Taxonomic categories represent a hierarchy that includes seven obligatory categories − kingdom, division or phylum, class, order, family, genus, and species. Out of these seven categories, the kingdom being the most inclusive category while species being the least inclusive. The number of similar characters of categories decreases from the lowest rank (species) to the highest rank (kingdom).

Answer to Problem 4STP

Correct answer :

Option (C) phylum

Explanation of Solution

Explanation/justification for the correct answer :

Option (C) phylum. The two bats Craseonycteris thonglongyai and Noctilio leporinus belong to the same kingdom (Animalia), phylum (Chordata), class (Mammalia), order (Chiroptera).

Explanation for incorrect answer :

Option (A) division. Bats belong to the kingdom Animalia. The term phylum is used for animals while division is used for the taxonomic category, equivalent to phylum, for the members of the plant kingdom. Hence, it is an incorrect answer.

Option (B) genus. According to the binomial nomenclature, while providing a name to an organism, the name consists of two words. The first word denotes the genus of that organism and is written in capitals. The genus of both the bats is different ( Craseonycteris and Noctilio). Hence, it is an incorrect answer.

Option (D) species. The second word of the name of an organism is known as a specific epithet and represents the species. The species of both the bats are also different ( thonglongyai and leporinus). Hence, it is an incorrect answer.