genus
Group of one or more species with many characteristics in common. Thus all doglike species (including dogs, wolves, and jackals) belong to the genus Canis (Latin ‘dog’).
Species of the same genus are thought to be descended from a common ancestor species. Related genera are grouped into families.
Humans belong to the genus Homo, while chimpanzees and bonobos form the genus Pan. Following the detailed insights gained from sequencing the genomes of both human and chimp, it is now generally believed by researchers that this distinction is biologically unfounded and that humans should share a genus with chimps and bonobos.
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