# Describe how organisms are classified using the Linnaean taxonomic hierarchy, and explain why organisms in the same genus are more closely related than organisms that only share the same order.

> AQA A-Level Biology (7402) — 3.4.5 Species and Taxonomy · Describe and Explain · 5 marks

## Mark scheme (5 marks)

1. The Linnaean hierarchy consists of named taxonomic groups / taxa
2. Correct sequence of at least four consecutive ranks stated in the correct order (e.g. kingdom → phylum → class → order → family → genus → species)
3. As you move down the hierarchy the groups become smaller / contain fewer organisms
4. Organisms in the same genus share more characteristics / features in common than those only sharing an order
5. Organisms in the same genus have a more recent common ancestor than those only in the same order

## Key terms

- [taxon](https://www.gradenine.co.uk/glossary/taxon)
- [genus](https://www.gradenine.co.uk/glossary/genus)

## Related

- [Revision notes for AQA A-Level Biology (7402)](https://www.gradenine.co.uk/learn)
- [How to answer "Describe and Explain" questions](https://www.gradenine.co.uk/tools/command-word-cheatsheet)
- [Practice this with AI marking (free)](https://www.gradenine.co.uk/start)

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Source: [GradeNine](https://www.gradenine.co.uk/q/describe-how-organisms-are-classified-using-8c550fe6) · Published by Druglandscape Ltd.