Escherichia is classified within the domain of Bacteria, specifically under the phylum Proteobacteria. It belongs to the class Gammaproteobacteria and the order Enterobacterales. This category includes various species, with Escherichia coli being the most well-known.
In biological classification, organisms are grouped based on shared characteristics and genetic relationships. The classification hierarchy typically moves from broad categories to more specific ones. For Escherichia, the classification can be broken down as follows:
- Domain: Bacteria
- Phylum: Proteobacteria
- Class: Gammaproteobacteria
- Order: Enterobacterales
- Family: Enterobacteriaceae
- Genus: Escherichia
Understanding this classification helps in the study of microbiology and the role these bacteria play in various environments, including human health.