What does the term genus refer to in biological classification?

The term genus refers to a taxonomic group of closely related species. In the hierarchical system of biological classification, the genus is one rank above species and encompasses a group of species that share common characteristics and evolutionary history. For example, the genus Panthera includes several species such as lions, tigers, leopards, and jaguars, all of which exhibit similar traits and belong to the same family.

Understanding that a genus groups species based on their shared features helps define how organisms are categorized and identified in relation to one another. This classification is essential for the study of biodiversity, ecology, and evolutionary biology, as it clarifies the relationships among different organisms within the broader tree of life.