To determine the correct ascending order of the taxonomic hierarchy, we need to understand the levels of classification in biology. The taxonomic hierarchy is structured as follows:
1. **Kingdom** - The highest level of classification.
2. **Phylum** - Groups together organisms that share a basic structural framework.
3. **Class** - A further division of phylum.
4. **Order** - A grouping of families that share certain characteristics.
5. **Family** - A group of related genera (plural of genus).
6. **Genus** - A group of closely related species.
7. **Species** - The most specific level, representing individual organisms that can breed and produce fertile offspring.
Now, let's analyze the options provided:
1. **Option 1:** Species, Genus, Order, Family
- This is incorrect because the order should come after family.
2. **Option 2:** Genus, Species, Family, Order
- This is the correct option. The correct ascending order should be: Species (most specific), Genus, Family, Order (more general).
3. **Option 3:** Order, Family, Genus, Species
- This is incorrect as it starts with the higher taxonomic levels and moves to the lower ones.
4. **Option 4:** (not provided but assumed to be incorrect based on the context).
Thus, the correct ascending order is **Genus, Species, Family, Order**, which corresponds to **Option 2**.
### Step-by-Step Solution:
1. **Identify the levels of the taxonomic hierarchy.**
- Kingdom > Phylum > Class > Order > Family > Genus > Species.
2. **Analyze the provided options.**
- Check each option to see if they follow the correct ascending order.
3. **Determine the correct order.**
- The correct ascending order is: Species < Genus < Family < Order.
4. **Select the correct option.**
- The correct option is **Option 2: Genus, Species, Family, Order**.
