Discuss the genus-species relation and its treatment in classification with examples.
Answers
In taxonomy, genus comes below family and above species.
Species is the basic unit of taxonomy. Although it is allegedly difficult to define exactly, it can be defined in simplistic terms as all organisms that can produce viable offsprings and sharing DNA sequences, morphology, karyotype and ecological niche.
Genus defines all species with a common ancestral taxon and regrouped because of a common distinctive evolution criteria like ecology, morphology, biogeography and DNA sequencing.
Thus, felis catus (domestic cat) is a species of the felis genus (all cats like the Lynx which can’t reproduce with the domestic cat) from the felidae family ( all felines from cats to tigers and lions etc).
Species is the unit of taxonomy. Species is also known as organisms. These organisms produce offspring DNA sequences, and morphology and DNA sequencing.
Genus comes from the family of species and it is the next chapter of species. Genus actually defines all the species together, like a family. Panthera is a Genus of family.