What is the difference between Genus and Species? - ProProfs Discuss
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What is the difference between Genus and Species?

Asked by Juul , Last updated: Mar 29, 2024

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3 Answers

L. Agate

L. Agate

L. Agate
L. Agate

Answered Jul 31, 2020

I think the perfect way to differentiate between genus and species is to think of both as though they represent the scientific surname and first name given to all organisms. When you check the order of classification of all organisms into different levels, genus and species are the last two levels of the classification, with "kingdom" being the first level.

Genus comes below the family level and above the species level. A genus consists of organisms with certain similar attributes or morphology. So many species are grouped under the genus level. However, animals of different species that are grouped under the genus level can't interbreed.

Species, on the other, is the last level in this classification and consists of organisms that are very identical in most ways. Organisms of the same species that are in this category can interbreed to produce fertile offsprings. While a genus consists of a group of species, a species consists of a group of subspecies.

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D. Nichols

D. Nichols

D. Nichols
D. Nichols

Answered Jul 23, 2020

Genus and species are scientific classifications, which are related to organisms. In the ranking, genus is above species. Though species is a lower level classification, out of all the classifications, it is the most fundamental classification. As they are different classifications, there are different type of organisms in each group.

A genus is made up of different species. A species is made up of subspecies. Between the two, genus has a larger number of organisms in it than species do. They both make up an organisms name. Genus is the first part of the organisms name, while species is the second part.

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F. Daniel

F. Daniel

I work for a California based MNC.

F. Daniel
F. Daniel, Content Optimization Executive, Diploma in Journalism, California

Answered Jul 21, 2020

The classification of all living organisms is based on a particular order which starts from the kingdom - phylum - class - order - family - genus - species. It is evident from this order that genus and species are the last two levels of this classification. It is important to know that all living organisms that have been identified have their respective names in the two levels.

Species is a special level where organisms that can interbreed are grouped. This includes organisms that are identical in nature in terms of their morphological and physical features. This also includes organisms that have the same number of chromosomes. On the other hand, the genus is a level in the classification of organisms above species.

Organisms that belong to different species but with common attributes are usually grouped under the genus. However, these organisms can't interbreed, as in the case of those that belong to the same species. More organisms are classified under the genus compared to species. For human beings, Homo sapiens represent both the genus and species, respectively.

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