A taxon is a group of organisms that share a common ancestor and are classified together in a hierarchical system. This system is called taxonomy.

Here's how it works:

* Kingdom (e.g., Animalia)

* Phylum (e.g., Chordata)

* Class (e.g., Mammalia)

* Order (e.g., Primates)

* Family (e.g., Hominidae)

* Genus (e.g., Homo)

* Species (e.g., Homo sapiens)

Each of these levels, from Kingdom down to Species, is considered a taxon.