Taxonomy, the science of classification, is the foundation of biological sciences. Whether you're preparing for NEET, CBSE board exams, or Olympiads, mastering taxonomic hierarchy is essential. NCERT Table 1.1 simplifies this concept by showcasing common organisms and placing them under the correct scientific classification.
In this article, we’ll explore the table in-depth, understand what each category means, and learn tricks to retain this information for your exams.
What Is Taxonomy?
Taxonomy is the systematic arrangement of organisms into categories based on shared characteristics. These categories range from broad (kingdom) to very specific (species).
The 7 Main Taxonomic Categories:
- Kingdom
- Phylum/Division
- Class
- Order
- Family
- Genus
- Species
Mnemonic to remember the order:
🔤 “King Philip Came Over For Good Soup”
NCERT Table 1.1 Breakdown
| Common Name | Biological Name | Genus | Family | Order | Class | Phylum/Division |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Man | Homo sapiens | Homo | Hominidae | Primata | Mammalia | Chordata |
| Housefly | Musca domestica | Musca | Muscidae | Diptera | Insecta | Arthropoda |
| Mango | Mangifera indica | Mangifera | Anacardiaceae | Sapindales | Dicotyledonae | Angiospermae |
| Wheat | Triticum aestivum | Triticum | Poaceae | Poales | Monocotyledonae | Angiospermae |
Understanding Each Category (With Examples)
1. Biological Name (Binomial Nomenclature)
- Example: Homo sapiens (Man)
- Follows Linnaeus’ binomial system: Genus + Species
- Always italicized, genus capitalized
💡 Tip: Helps uniquely identify species worldwide.
2. Genus
- Groups species that are structurally similar.
- Example: Homo for humans, Musca for houseflies.
🧠 Memory Aid: Genus = "Generic group"
3. Family
- Includes multiple genera sharing closer characteristics.
- Example: Poaceae (grass family), Anacardiaceae (mango family)
4. Order
- Broader than family, includes similar families.
- Example: Diptera includes flies; Sapindales includes mangoes.
5. Class
- Further broadens classification.
- Example: Mammalia includes all mammals; Insecta includes all insects.
6. Phylum/Division
- For animals, use "Phylum" (e.g., Chordata)
- For plants, use "Division" (e.g., Angiospermae)
Key Comparisons Between the Organisms
| Feature | Man | Housefly | Mango | Wheat |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Kingdom | Animalia | Animalia | Plantae | Plantae |
| Locomotion | Yes (legs) | Yes (wings) | No | No |
| Cell Type | Eukaryotic | Eukaryotic | Eukaryotic | Eukaryotic |
| Body Plan | Vertebrate | Invertebrate | Angiosperm (Dicot) | Angiosperm (Monocot) |
| Respiration | Lungs | Tracheal tubes | Stomata | Stomata |
Mnemonics to Remember Taxonomic Names
For Man:
-
Homo sapiens, Homo, Hominidae, Primata, Mammalia, Chordata
🔤 “Homo Had Pretty Major Characteristics”
For Housefly:
-
Musca domestica, Musca, Muscidae, Diptera, Insecta, Arthropoda
🔤 “Many Dull Insects Move Around”
For Mango:
-
Mangifera indica, Mangifera, Anacardiaceae, Sapindales, Dicotyledonae, Angiospermae
🔤 “Many Sweet Delicious Apples Are Amazing”
For Wheat:
-
Triticum aestivum, Triticum, Poaceae, Poales, Monocotyledonae, Angiospermae
🔤 “The Perfect Plant Must Ascend”
Relevance in NEET and CBSE Exams
This table is directly picked from Class 11 NCERT Biology Chapter 1: The Living World and is frequently asked in:
- Match the column
- MCQs
- Fill in the blanks
- Assertion-Reason Questions
🎯 Exam Tip: Focus on the hierarchy and classification pattern, not just memorization.
