Phylum Gallery
Phylum is a taxonomic rank used in biological classification to group organisms into larger categories, and is the second-highest level of classification, after kingdom
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Phylum is a taxonomic rank used in biological classification to group organisms into larger categories, and is the second-highest level of classification, after kingdom. Phyla are divided into smaller groups called classes, and then further divided into orders, families, genera, and species. There are currently 35 phyla recognized by the International Code of Nomenclature for algae, fungi, and plants (ICN), and 34 phyla recognized by the International Code of Zoological Nomenclature (ICZN). The most well-known phyla include Chordata (vertebrates), Arthropoda (insects), Mollusca (mollusks), Annelida (segmented worms) and Porifera (sponges). Each phylum has its own unique characteristics that distinguish it from other phyla; for example, chordates have a backbone while arthropods have jointed legs. By grouping organisms according to their shared characteristics, scientists can better understand how they evolved over time.