Phylum

usgb/ˈfaɪləm/
noun

It's a level of classification or grouping in biology, under kingdom and above class, used to organize species into categories.

Mammals, birds, fish, and insects each belong to a different phylum.
Visual representation of "phylum" - It's a level of classification or grouping in biology, under kingdom and above class, used to organize species into categories.

Often appears as...

  • phylum chordata
  • invertebrate phylum

Usage tips

Academic

Definition 1 of 1
Visual representation of "phylum"
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Biological Hierarchy

Phylum fits into a hierarchy; remember its place between kingdom and class for proper usage.

Illustration for Biological Hierarchy
The phylum Arthropoda falls under the kingdom Animalia and includes various classes such as Insecta.
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Diversity Within

Note that a phylum can include a vast diversity of organisms - it's a broad classification.

Illustration for Diversity Within
The phylum Mollusca includes animals as different as snails, octopuses, and clams.
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Context Specific

Use 'phylum' in academic or scientific contexts; it's not commonly used in everyday language.

Illustration for Context Specific
During biology class, we learned about the characteristics that define each phylum.
Visual representation of the word "Phylum"

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