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Guilherme Mazui

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What is the Difference Between Phylum and Division?

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The main difference between phylum and division lies in the classification of organisms and the kingdoms they belong to. Both phylum and division are taxonomic ranks that occur below the kingdom level and above the class level. Here are the key differences between the two:

  • Phylum: This term is used in the classification of animals. Organisms within a phylum share a common general body plan. Examples of animal phyla include Arthropods, Chordates, and Nematodes.
  • Division: This term is used in the classification of plants, fungi, and some bacterial species. Like phyla, divisions represent groups of closely related organisms with similar characteristics. Examples of plant divisions include Pinophyta (conifers), Magnoliophyta (flowering plants), and Bryophyta (mosses).

In summary, the primary distinction between phylum and division is that phylum is used for classifying animals, while division is used for classifying plants, fungi, and some bacterial species. Both terms represent taxonomic ranks that occur below the kingdom level and above the class level, and organisms within each rank share a common general body plan.

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  • What is the Difference Between Phylum and Division?
  • Comparative Table: Phylum vs Division

    • Comparative Table: Phylum vs Division

    Here is a table comparing the differences between Phylum and Division:

    Feature Phylum Division
    Classification Level Below Kingdom, above Class Below Kingdom, above Class
    Used for Animals Plants, algae, and fungi
    Heterotrophs Includes organisms that feed by ingesting particles (heterotrophs) Includes organisms that can photosynthesize (autotrophs) or take in nutrients saprophytically from a substrate
    Origin Term "phylum" created by Ernst Haeckel Term "division" created by August Eichler
    Current Use Phylum is still used for animals Division has been largely replaced by phylum for plants, algae, and fungi

    Both phylum and division are taxonomic classifications used to group similar organisms based on their general body plans. They are placed below the kingdom level and above the class level in the taxonomic hierarchy. The main difference between phylum and division is that phylum is used for animals, while division is used for plants, algae, and fungi.

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    Guilherme Mazui

    Guilherme Mazui is graduated in journalism from the Federal University of Minas Gerais (UFMG) and a master's degree in Communication from the University of São Paulo (USP). In addition, he has experience in advertising writing and has worked as a content editor in several companies.