biological classification ranking between family and species, consisting of structurally or phylogenetically related species or an isolated species exhibiting unusual differentiation (monotypic genus). Thus the species of roses collectively form the genus Rosa, and the species of horses and zebras form the genus Equus. The genus name is the first word of a binomial scientific name (the species name is the second word) and is always capitalized. Thus the tea rose is Rosa odorata; the common horse is Equus caballus. See also species.