Q. Which of the following is the correct order of plant species from higher to lower order?
a) Class – Phylum – Order – Plant Kingdom
b) Order – Class – Phylum – Plant Kingdom
c) Class – Plant Kingdom – Phylum – Order
d) Plant Kingdom – Phylum – Class – Order
Question from UPPSC Prelims 2024
Correct Answer: d) Plant Kingdom – Phylum – Class – Order
Explanation: The classification of plant species follows a hierarchical system in taxonomy, which organizes living organisms into groups based on shared characteristics. The correct order from higher to lower is as follows:
1. Plant Kingdom: This is the highest taxonomic rank and includes all plants.
2. Phylum: This is the next level, grouping plants based on major structural and functional similarities.
3. Class: Within a phylum, plants are further divided into classes based on more specific traits.
4. Order: This is a lower rank within a class, grouping plants with even more closely related characteristics.
Thus, the correct sequence from higher to lower order is Plant Kingdom – Phylum – Class – Order.
