Phylum: meaning, definitions and examples
๐ฟ
phylum
[ หfaษชlษm ]
biological classification
Phylum is a major taxonomic rank used in the biological classification system. It is one of the primary divisions of the kingdom, which groups together organisms that share a fundamental structural framework and evolutionary lineage. Each phylum contains a number of classes, which further categorize organisms into more specific groups. For example, the phylum Chordata includes all animals with a notochord, such as vertebrates. Phyla serve as a crucial hierarchical level in the study of biology and ecology, aiding scientists in the understanding of biodiversity.
Synonyms
Examples of usage
- The animal kingdom is divided into several phyla.
- Phylum Arthropoda includes insects, arachnids, and crustaceans.
- In zoology, phyla are classified based on evolutionary relationships.
Translations
Translations of the word "phylum" in other languages:
๐ต๐น filo
๐ฎ๐ณ เคซเคพเคเคฒเคฎ
๐ฉ๐ช Stamm
๐ฎ๐ฉ filum
๐บ๐ฆ ััะปัะผ
๐ต๐ฑ typ
๐ฏ๐ต ้ (ใใ)
๐ซ๐ท phylum
๐ช๐ธ filo
๐น๐ท filum
๐ฐ๐ท ๋ฌธ (๋ฌธ)
๐ธ๐ฆ ูุตููุฉ
๐จ๐ฟ kmen
๐ธ๐ฐ kmeล
๐จ๐ณ ้จ
๐ธ๐ฎ filum
๐ฎ๐ธ fylli
๐ฐ๐ฟ ัะธะฟ
๐ฌ๐ช แคแแแแแแ
๐ฆ๐ฟ filum
๐ฒ๐ฝ filo
Word origin
The term 'phylum' originates from the Greek word 'phylon', which means 'tribe' or 'race'. It was first used in a biological context in the 19th century, during a period when the classification of living organisms became more systematic and rigorous. The introduction of 'phylum' allowed scientists to categorize life forms at a higher level than 'class', reflecting their shared characteristics and evolutionary history. The usage of this term has evolved, particularly with advancements in genetics and molecular biology, leading to more precise phylogenetic classifications. Over time, the understanding of what constitutes a phylum has been refined, allowing for more comprehensive studies of biodiversity and evolutionary relationships among organisms.