Question

Which covers the largest number of organisms?
A. Genus
B. Family
C. Phylum
D. Class
E. Order

Answer 1

Hint: Linnaeus introduced the classification system for organisms called the taxonomic hierarchy. It consists of categories of classification in which each organism is placed based on its specific characters. The sequence of categories is the kingdom being the highest rank. It is followed by phylum, division, class, order, family, genus, and species being the lowest rank.

Complete answer:
The taxonomic hierarchy presents a series of classification stages that help to organize and classify organisms based on a set of rules. This system of classification was given by a Swedish botanist named Carolus Linnaeus in the 18th century. This system of classification is the most accepted one and is followed to date globally. Each organism is given a sequence of categories called taxa. The taxa can be arranged in increasing or decreasing order. The highest rank that an organism obtains is the kingdom. The kingdom represents all phylum, divisions, class, order, etc. that comes under it. Thus it covers the largest number of organisms.
The phylum is the second stage of classification which covers organisms that come under division, class, order, family, genus, and species. For example, a cat comes under the kingdom Animalia and the phylum Chordata. Now Chordata phylum consists of all vertebrates including tigers, humans, etc. When we will move towards the lower taxa, the classification becomes more specific, and a lesser number of organisms are placed in each category. Thus, from the given taxonomic stages, the phylum is the highest-ranked and it will include the highest number of organisms.
So, the right answer is option C.

Note: There are millions of organisms living on the Earth. Each of them is different, having variant characteristics. When a new organism is discovered it needs to be classified and related to its similar species. Thus, the taxonomic hierarchy helps in the classification of new species. Nomenclature is also a taxonomical branch that provides scientific names to organisms.