What is the Difference Between Genus and Species?

The main difference between genus and species lies in the biological classification and the level of relatedness between organisms. Here are the key differences between genus and species:

• Definition: A genus is a taxonomic rank used in the biological classification of living and fossil organisms, as well as viruses. It includes closely related species that share many structural similarities and often have a common ancestor. In contrast, a species is a group of organisms made up of similar individuals capable of interbreeding or exchanging genes.
• Taxonomic Rank: Genus is a taxonomic classification that ranks above species and below family, while species is the fundamental unit in biological classification.
• Comprised of: A genus is comprised of species with common features, whereas a species is comprised of individuals that can interbreed and produce fertile offspring.
• Interbreeding: Individuals within a species can successfully interbreed with one another but almost never with individuals of a different species within the same genus. Different species within a genus may produce hybrid offspring, but the offspring are almost always sterile.
• Binomial Nomenclature: In binomial nomenclature, the genus name forms the first part of the binomial species name for each species within the genus, such as Panthera leo (lion) and Panthera onca (jaguar). The species name is the specific name in a binomial nomenclature, as in Allium cepa (commonly known as onion).

Comparative Table: Genus vs Species

Here is a table comparing the differences between genus and species:

In summary, a genus is a taxonomic classification that includes closely related species, while a species is a group of organisms with similar features that can interbreed to generate viable offspring. The genus is a higher taxonomic rank than the species, and a genus is made up of multiple species, whereas a species is comprised of various subspecies.