I'm a little confused.

Stereonepthya sp.
Capnella sp.
Nephthea sp.
Sarcophyton sp.

How can a different genus be of the same species?

I took biology.. and I got an A.......although I have had a bit to drink.

 

sp. after the genus stands for species. This is written if the actual speacies is unknown. 8)
JJL

 

Thanks, JJL. I never knew that!

 

a species is the basic biological classification and taxonomic rank. Species that are thought to have the same ancestors are grouped together in a Genus group. A species can only belong to one genus group.

There are eight taxonomic ranks; species, genus, family – ok, so I don’t recall them any more ! lol the list goes up through Phylum, kingdom and finally life.

Look up the scientific name of a lion, you will find it to be Panthera Leo. The taxonomic ranks are used to identify animals by their latin name. the ranks are always the same but the classification differs. In the terms of a lion Species = Leo and Genus = Panthera, thus Penthera Leo is the latin identification of a lion. The next closest relative might be the tiger and the genus would be the same but the species would change to Tigris (or something similar) or Panthera Tigris.

Here is a decent site to check out too: Coral Genus Identification

 

I remember having to outdo a buddy in college, and committed to memory, Kingdom, Phyla, Class, Order, Family, Genus, Species. I never did learn that a species could only belong to one genus, but it makes sense.

 

Consider this a Latin lesson :

 

Alright. Haha, Thanks. I knew the taxonomic order I just didn't know what the heck sp. meant.

Kings - Kingdom
Play - Phylum
Chess - Class
On - Order
Fine - Family
Green - Genus
Sand - Species

 

YW, ReefSparky 8)