Question

1 multiple choice 1 point
which group of animals below would be most closely related? the scientific name and lowest shared taxa are given to you.
○ felis domesticus and desmodus rotundus (same class)
○ dolichovespula maculata and homo sapiens (same kingdom)
○ canis familiaris and panthera leo (same order)
○ crotalus adamanteus and crotalus atrox (same genus)

Explanation:

In biological classification, the taxonomic hierarchy from broad to specific is Kingdom, Phylum, Class, Order, Family, Genus, Species. Organisms sharing the same genus are more closely related than those sharing the same order, class, or kingdom because genus is a more specific (lower) taxonomic level. Let's analyze each option:

• Felis domesticus and Desmodus rotundus: Same Class. Class is higher (more broad) than Genus.
• Dolichovespula maculata and Homo sapiens: Same Kingdom. Kingdom is the broadest here.
• Canis familiaris and Panthera leo: Same Order. Order is higher than Genus.
• Crotalus adamanteus and Crotalus atrox: Same Genus. Genus is the most specific (lowest) taxon among these options, so they are most closely related.

Answer:

D. Crotalus adamanteus and Crotalus atrox (same genus)