The correct answer is option 1: Order. In taxonomy, the classification of living organisms, species are grouped into a hierarchical system. At the highest level of this system is the Kingdom, followed by Phylum, Class, Order, Family, Genus, and Species. Each level represents a different level of similarity and relatedness among organisms. In this question, the term "higher category" suggests that we are looking for a classification level above the family. The word "assemblage" indicates a group of organisms that possess a few similar characteristics. Therefore, the correct answer is option 1: Order, as it represents a higher category that includes a collection of families that share some similarities in their characteristics.