Question

Which of the following has the correct specific epithet?
a. Indica mangifera
b. Leo Panthera
c. Canis familiaris
d. Ascaris

Answer 1

Hint: Specific epithet which is known as the specific name is the second part of the binomial name within species. The first part is the genus and the second part is epithet. These are based on the species' distinctive features that are derived from the Latin and Greek languages. Here, we have to find the correct form of a specific epithet and then based on the correct binomial it can be analyzed.

Complete answer:
Specific epithet is always in lowercase of both plant and animal species. This was recorded firstly in 1905. It is a section of biological nomenclature. It begins with the small letter. These are written in italicized form. Binomial nomenclature was developed by Carl Linnaeus. This was explained by the naming of the organisms. This nomenclature consists of two epithets namely generic epithet and specific epithet. There is an accordance with the traits that are specific with groups. Here is the example for binomial nomenclature which includes both of the epithets. Example: Homo sapiens. To find the answer we have to see the small letter in the first letter of the second word and it should be the proper one and also in the italicized form. Based on these characters it is clear that the correct answer is Canis familiaris but Indica mangifera also has the same characters but the epithets are reversed.

Hence, the correct answer is option (C).

Note: Scientific names are important because they serve as an identity and are unique. These names can be helpful to know about various relationships amongst different animals. Some genera are known to have only one species while most of them are made up of many species. The common names are not so unique and can be misleading sometimes.