A species is a group of organisms that are closely related and can interbreed to produce fertile offspring. Members of a species have many similarities in their appearance, behavior, and genetics.
An order is a taxonomic rank that is higher than a species. Organisms in the same order are more distantly related than organisms in the same species. Members of an order may have some similarities in their appearance and behavior, but they may also have significant differences.
For example, the order Carnivora includes dogs, cats, bears, and weasels. These animals all have some similarities, such as sharp teeth and claws, but they also have many differences. Dogs are social animals that live in packs, while cats are solitary animals that live alone. Bears are large, powerful animals that eat meat, while weasels are small, slender animals that eat small rodents.
