What does taxon mean?
A taxon is a formally recognized group within a system of biological classification. It may designate a group at any rank, from species and genera to larger assemblages such as families, orders, classes, phyla, and kingdoms. The term emphasizes that the group has been recognized and named within a classificatory framework rather than being merely an informal collection of organisms. Taxonomists use morphological, genetic, ecological, and other evidence to determine how organisms should be grouped and distinguished from related taxa. “Taxon” is especially associated with modern biological systematics, but the broader sense also applies to units in other classificatory systems. Its plural is conventionally “taxa.” Knowing the distinction between a taxon, the group itself, and taxonomy, the system or study of classification, helps clarify discussions of biological diversity and scientific naming.
nounA formally recognized group of organisms in biological classification, such as a species, genus, family, or order. More broadly, the term can denote any unit or group within a classificatory system.
- A formally recognized group of organisms at any rank in biological classification, especially a species, genus, family, order, class, phylum, or kingdom.
"The newly discovered organism was assigned to a previously unknown taxon."
"Each taxon in the classification is assigned a unique scientific name."
"Molecular evidence showed that the organism belonged to a different taxon than previously believed."
“Taxa” is the standard plural in formal biological writing. “Taxons” is also accepted in modern general usage.
"Several taxa were recorded in the region for the first time."
A taxon is essentially a labeled box in the great biological filing cabinet of life.
Reviewed by Deb Chak, Editor. AI-assisted content curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.
Where does taxon come from?
The word comes from Greek taxis, meaning “arrangement” or “ordering,” through the related taxonomic vocabulary of biology. English “taxonomy” was formed from this root before “taxon” was introduced for an individual unit of classification. The same Greek root underlies “taxis” and related biological terminology concerning movement or arrangement.
Related word forms
How taxon is actually used
This is primarily formal scientific terminology. In biological writing, the conventional plural is “taxa,” although “taxons” is increasingly used in general and editorial contexts.
Easily confused with taxon
A taxon is an individual group being classified, whereas taxonomy is the system or practice of classification.