To solve the example, first recognize that human and horse are different species. Next locate an essential concept shared by both: animal. Finally ask whether a closer common genus intervenes in the source’s hierarchy; none does. “Animal” is therefore the proximate genus. Nearness here is taxonomic, not physical resemblance.
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Work through human and horse
Proximate and Remote Genus and Differentia
To solve the example, first recognize that human and horse are different species. Next locate an essential concept shared by both: animal. Finally ask whether a closer common genus intervenes in the source’s hierarchy; none does. “Animal” is therefore the proximate genus. Nearness here is taxonomic, not physical resemblance.