Question

In plant taxonomy, a division is equivalent to
A. Family
B. Order
C. Class
D. Phylum

Answer 1

Hint: Taxonomy is a branch of science dealing with grouping, classification and nomenclature of living organisms including plants, animals and microorganisms. Living organisms are classified on the basis of similarities and dissimilarities. Closely related organisms are placed closely whereas distantly related organisms are placed distantly during classification. It was developed by Swedish botanist Carolus Linnaeus”, he is also known as the father of taxonomy. He invented binomial nomenclature which gives a genus and species name to an organism.

Complete answer:
During classifying living organisms on the basis of similarities and dissimilarities, they are placed in different taxonomic categories arranged in a hierarchy. There are 7 taxonomic categories, namely kingdom, phylum/division, class, order, family, genus and species placed in a hierarchical manner i.e. kingdom phylum/division, class, order, family, genus species. Species is the basic unit of classification and lowest level of taxonomic category whereas kingdom in the highest level of taxonomic category. While classifying animals, all the related members of a particular class lie under the same phylum whereas while classifying plants, all the related members of a particular class lie under the same division. Therefore, in animals, the phylum term is used, and the same taxonomic category is replaced by division during plant classification.

Hence, the correct answer for the above mentioned question is (D) Phylum.

Note:
Closely related species are placed under one genus. Closely related genuses are placed under one family. Closely related families are placed under one order. Closely related orders are placed under one class. Closely related classes are placed under one phylum (animals)/ division (plants) and closely related phylum/division are placed under one kingdom.