Taxon

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The hierarchy of taxonomic classification

A taxon or taxonomic unit is a group of individuals that are grouped together based on similarities between the individuals. This is an hierarchical system in which lower taxonomic units are groups in higher taxonomic units. The only natural unit is the species.

The figure at the right illustrates the hierarchy of the various levels. Three domains — Archaea, Bacteria, and Eukarya — incorporate all known living systems.