Question

Taxon is
A.Species
B. Unit of classification
C. Highest rank of classification
D. None of the above

Answer 1

Hint: Taxon is derived from taxonomy which in turn is made by joining two Greek words ‘taxis’ meaning arrangement and ‘nomia’ meaning method. Presently taxonomy is the science of classifying organisms both living and extinct. Important for classification is defining a group or unit. Taxon is useful for this. The term taxon was first used in 1926 by German Adolf Meyer-Abich. In current practise taxon represent an unit in classifying organisms. Class, Order, Family, Genus, Species each represent a taxon.
Plural of taxon is taxa. Thus, taxon is a unit of classification.

Complete answer:
pecies are a group of organisms sharing common features and capable of interbreeding among themselves. Species represent the most basic unit of classification. Morphological or phenotypic similarities are considered for grouping organisms into species. Individuals of the same species can produce viable offspring.
Closely related organisms belonging to two different species might sometimes interbreed to produce hybrid organisms, but these are often sterile and not considered as species. Mule a hybrid between a donkey and a horse, is one such example.
Carolus Linnaeus is the one to introduce the hierarchy of classification including species.
In the current science of classifying organisms the highest rank of classification is domain. Domain is a taxon.

Hence the correct answer is OPTION(B)

Note: Species is a unit of classification and hence a taxon. In taxonomic classification, division is used as a category to classify organisms but division is not a taxon. In mycology and Botany, division often occupies the same position as Phylum in case or organising animals.