# Describe how taxonomy is used to classify a named organism, referring to the correct order of taxa.

> Edexcel GCSE Biology (1BI0) — 4.2 Classification · Describe · 4 marks

> Scientists use taxonomy to sort all living organisms into groups. A domestic dog (Canis lupus familiaris) and a grey wolf (Canis lupus) are both classified using the same hierarchical system.

## Mark scheme (4 marks)

1. Taxonomy classifies organisms into taxa in a specific order from largest/broadest to smallest/most specific group
2. Correctly names at least four taxa in the correct sequence: kingdom, phylum, class, order, family, genus, species
3. Organisms in the same genus share more characteristics / are more closely related than organisms in the same family (or higher taxon)
4. The domestic dog and grey wolf share the same genus (Canis) so they are closely related / more similar to each other than to organisms only sharing a higher taxon

## Key terms

- [taxonomy](https://www.gradenine.co.uk/glossary/taxonomy)
- [taxa](https://www.gradenine.co.uk/glossary/taxa)

## Related

- [Revision notes for Edexcel GCSE Biology (1BI0)](https://www.gradenine.co.uk/learn)
- [How to answer "Describe" 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-taxonomy-is-used-to-df90f932) · Published by Druglandscape Ltd.