What is Genus?
Genus comes from the latin genera and it is the rank of biological classification ranked above species and under family. The french botanist, Joseph Pitton de Tournefort (1656-1708) is considered the "founder of the modern concept of genera." In binomial nomenclature, the genus forms the first part of any given species scientific name, followed by a more specific name. There are no strict guideline set for taxonomist when classifying a genus, but generally they look at all the descendants of a taxon grouped together, any relevant evolutionary criteria, and of course reasonable compactness.
Meet the Chiroptera blumenbachThis species, also knows as simply bat, belongs to the genus Chiroptera. As you can observe, its genus makes up the first part of its scientific name. This specific genus is then separated into two different clades, Megachiroptera and Microchiroptera. They are typically small, varying in sizes from 7.5 mm to 34.0cm.
All members of this genus are recognized by the fact that they are the only mammals who are capable of sustained flight. They are also nocturnal and have diverse food preferences. |
|