Genus

Pronunciation: /JEE-nuhs/

Category: Taxonomy

Singular: Genus

Plural: Genera

Definition

A taxonomic rank used in the biological classification of living and fossil organisms, encompassing one or more species that are closely related and share a common ancestor.

Etymology

From Latin 'genus', meaning 'birth', 'race', or 'kind'.

Example

The genus Apis includes several species of honeybees.

Synonyms

Taxonomic group
Classification group

Related Terms

Species
family
Order
Class
Phylum
Kingdom

Usage Notes

The genus name is always capitalized and italicized in scientific writing. It is part of the binomial nomenclature system where the genus name is followed by the species name.