In biology a section (Latin: sectio) is a taxonomic rank that is applied differently in botany and zoology.

LifeDomainKingdomPhylumClassOrderFamilyGenusSpecies
The hierarchy of biological classification's eight major taxonomic ranks. Intermediate minor rankings are not shown.

In botany

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Within flora (plants), 'section' refers to a botanical rank below the genus, but above the species:

In zoology

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Within fauna (animals), 'section' refers to an uncommonly used zoological rank below the order, but above the family:

The rank of Superfamily is commonly adopted instead.

In bacteriology

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The International Code of Nomenclature for Bacteria states that the Section rank is an informal one, between the subgenus and species (as in botany).[1]

References

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  1. ^ "Chapter 3, Rules of Nomenclature with Recommendations, Rule 11", International Code of Nomenclature of Bacteria: Bacteriological Code, 1990 Revision