A Level Biology Practice Exam

In biological classification, which is the second largest taxonomic group?

1. Domain

2. Phylum

3. Kingdom

4. Class

The correct answer is: Kingdom

The second largest taxonomic group in biological classification is the kingdom. The system of classification starts with broad categories and narrows down to more specific ones. The hierarchy typically begins with the domain at the highest level, followed by kingdom, phylum, class, order, family, genus, and species. Here, the domain represents the broadest category that includes all forms of life, while the kingdom is a major subdivision within each domain, categorizing organisms into groups based on fundamental similarities. For instance, within the domain Eukarya, there are various kingdoms such as Animalia, Plantae, and Fungi, each of which contains numerous phyla. This hierarchical structure helps scientists categorize and study the vast diversity of life forms based on evolutionary relationships and shared characteristics. Thus, the classification emphasizes the relationship between organisms and their common ancestry, making the kingdom the correct answer as the second largest taxonomic group.