how many of categories are there to classify an organism

Options

A. 4
B. 5
C. 7
D. 8

Answer

To answer the question about how many categories there are to classify an organism, we can follow these steps:

### Step-by-Step Solution:

1. **Identify the Scientist**: The classification system was developed by a scientist named Carolus Linnaeus. He is known as the father of modern taxonomy.

2. **Understand the Classification System**: Linnaeus proposed a hierarchical system for classifying organisms. This system consists of several categories, which are arranged in a specific order.

3. **List the Categories**: According to Linnaeus, there are seven primary categories used to classify organisms. These categories are:
- **Kingdom**: The highest taxonomic rank, grouping together all forms of life.
- **Phylum**: A category that groups organisms based on major body plans and structural features.
- **Class**: A further division within a phylum, grouping organisms that share more specific characteristics.
- **Order**: A category that groups together families that share certain traits.
- **Family**: A group of related genera (plural of genus).
- **Genus**: A group of species that are closely related and share a common ancestor.
- **Species**: The most specific category, representing a group of individuals that can interbreed and produce fertile offspring.

4. **Conclusion**: Therefore, the total number of categories used to classify an organism, according to Linnaeus, is **seven**.

### Final Answer:
There are **seven categories** to classify an organism.

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