The correct statement about the taxonomic classification system is: c) species are the most specific category of classification.
In the taxonomic hierarchy, the classification of living organisms is organized in a series of ranks, which, starting from the broadest category, are: domain, kingdom, phylum, class, order, family, genus, and species. Among these, species is the most specific category, referring to a group of organisms that can interbreed and produce fertile offspring.
Let’s briefly consider the other options:
- a) kingdoms are the top category of classification: This statement is incorrect because the domain is the highest category in the classification hierarchy.
- b) there are more domains than kingdoms: This is also incorrect; there are three main domains (Bacteria, Archaea, and Eukarya), which is fewer than the multiple kingdoms that exist within those domains.
- d) a phylum may be represented: This statement is vague and does not clearly convey a correct aspect of the classification system. A phylum comprises one or more classes, but it is not a definitive statement about the system itself.
Overall, the concept of species as the most specific category accurately reflects how living organisms are classified in the biological sciences.