collection of organisms taxon as collection of organisms This term is neutral with respect to which organisms are included in a taxon. Membership will depend on the taxon concept and the assertions used to define the taxon. These criteria must be specified by the user. The best practice is to refer to a formal taxon description, rather than informal names "Genus species" without an authority. A collection of organisms that has as members every organism of a taxon and no organisms of any other equal or higher ranked taxon. The taxon may be at any level. If the taxon is species, then this is the same as the class species as a collection of organisms. When defining a taxon, it is generally understood that members include both living organisms and dead organisms that are known through specimens or observations. requires discussion