What taxonomic rank comes directly above 'family'?

The taxonomic rank that comes directly above 'family' is 'order.' In the hierarchical system of biological classification, organisms are grouped into ranks that represent different levels of complexity and relatedness. The sequence typically starts with the broadest classification and moves to the most specific.

The hierarchy can be summarized as follows: Domain > Kingdom > Phylum > Class > Order > Family > Genus > Species. In this structure, 'order' encompasses multiple families that share certain characteristics, thereby indicating a broader category of related organisms. This is why 'order' is considered the next rank above 'family' in taxonomic classification.

In contrast, 'genus' is a rank below 'family,' 'class' is a broader category above 'order,' and 'species' is a more specific rank below 'genus.' Each level reflects the increasing specificity of the group being described. Thus, 'order' is the correct answer because it directly connects to 'family' in the classification hierarchy.