What is taxonomy?

• A. Observable traits
• B. Classification of organisms
• C. Genetic makeup
• D. Group of animals with similar traits

Answer: (B)

Taxonomy is the science of naming, describing, and classifying organisms. It provides a structured system for organizing the diversity of life into hierarchical levels—domain, kingdom, phylum, class, order, family, genus, and species—based on shared characteristics and evolutionary relationships. The best answer matches this idea because taxonomy is fundamentally about classifying organisms, not merely describing observable traits, listing genetic makeup, or simply pointing to a group with similar traits. Observable traits describe appearance, genetic makeup concerns DNA, and a group with similar traits is a description of likeness, not the act of organizing life into a classification system.