Biology definition: A genus is a taxonomic rank comprised of species grouped based on shared attributes (having similar structures or distinct characteristics) or being phylogenetically related. It is one of the eight major taxonomic ranks in the biological classification of living things. It is below the family and above the species. A genus may be comprised of one or more species. Similarly, a family may consist of a single genus or more than one genera.
Every animal family is further divided into smaller groups known as genera, or genuses. Each genus contains animals that have very similar features and are closely related.
References
- Austin, S. (2023, January 30). Classification of Animals: The Complete Guide. A-Z-Animals. Retrieved September 25, 2023, from https://a-z-animals.com/reference/animal-classification/
- Encyclopædia Britannica, Inc. (2023). Animal Taxonomy [Photograph]. Britannica. https://www.britannica.com/science/taxonomy
- Genus. (2023). In BiologyOnline. https://www.biologyonline.com/dictionary/class
Additional Sources of Information
- NatureFiji-MareqetiViti is Fiji’s only domestic NGO working solely for the conservation and sustainable management of Fiji’s unique natural heritage – https://naturefiji.org/
Author: Fiji Journal
Established 2018
