Which of the following taxonomic groups includes the greatest number of organisms?

• A. Genus
• B. Family
• C. Order
• D. Kingdom

Answer: (D)

Verified step by step guidance

1. Understand the hierarchy of biological classification, which organizes living organisms into groups based on shared characteristics. The hierarchy, from most inclusive to least inclusive, is: Kingdom, Phylum, Class, Order, Family, Genus, and Species.
2. Recognize that the Kingdom level is the most inclusive category, meaning it contains the greatest number of organisms. For example, the Kingdom Animalia includes all animals, ranging from insects to mammals.
3. Compare the other taxonomic groups mentioned in the problem: Genus, Family, and Order. These are progressively less inclusive categories. For instance, a Genus includes fewer organisms than a Family, and a Family includes fewer organisms than an Order.
4. Recall that as you move down the hierarchy (from Kingdom to Species), the groups become more specific, and the number of organisms within each group decreases.
5. Conclude that the Kingdom level includes the greatest number of organisms compared to Genus, Family, and Order, as it is the broadest and most inclusive taxonomic category.