The hierarchical order of taxonomic categories is a sequence of categories in a decreasing or increasing order from kingdom to species and vice versa.
The kingdom has the highest rank followed by division, class, order, family, genus, and species. Species has the lowest rank in the hierarchy.
- Kingdom: The topmost taxonomic category. Example: All animals are included in Kingdom Animalia. The unit in classification that denotes the grouping of organisms based on features which are observable is known as a taxon.
- Phylum: It is a term used for animals while its synonym division is used for plants. It is a collection of similar classes. Phylum Chordata of animals has class Mammalia along with birds, reptiles, and amphibians.
- Class: One or more than one order makes a class. Class Mammalia includes all mammals which are bats, rodents, kangaroos, whales, great apes, and man.
- Order: One or more than one similar families constitute an order.
- Family: It is defined as a collection of similar genera. It can be separated from genera by reproductive and vegetative features. For example, cats and leopard are included in the same family.
- Genus: It is defined as a group of similar species.
- Species: Group of a population which is similar in form, shape and reproductive features so that fertile sibling can be produced.
Thus, the correct answer is 'Kingdom, phylum, class, order, family, genus, species.'