Please help asap with the scientific name Canis nipponicus. To which classification levels does this scientific name belong? Question 11 options: A kingdom and phylum B phylum and genus C genus and species D kingdom and species
The Correct Answer and Explanation is:
Correct Answer: C. Genus and species
Explanation
The scientific name Canis nipponicus follows the binomial nomenclature system, which is the formal method for naming species in biology. This system, developed by Carl Linnaeus, uses two Latinized names: the genus name followed by the species name.
In this case:
- Genus: Canis
- Species: nipponicus
So, Canis nipponicus represents both the genus and the species levels of biological classification. This makes option C (genus and species) the correct answer.
Understanding Taxonomic Hierarchy:
Biological classification is organized in a hierarchy from broad to specific:
- Kingdom (e.g., Animalia)
- Phylum (e.g., Chordata)
- Class (e.g., Mammalia)
- Order (e.g., Carnivora)
- Family (e.g., Canidae)
- Genus (e.g., Canis)
- Species (e.g., Canis nipponicus)
Each level narrows down the organism’s classification. For example, the genus Canis includes animals such as wolves (Canis lupus), domestic dogs (Canis familiaris), and jackals. The species name nipponicus would refer to a specific organism within the Canis genus that is associated with Japan (as “Nippon” is the Japanese name for Japan).
Why Not the Other Options?
- A (Kingdom and phylum): These are broader categories and not what the binomial name represents.
- B (Phylum and genus): The species name is ignored here, making it incorrect.
- D (Kingdom and species): Skips the genus, which is essential in binomial naming.
In conclusion, Canis nipponicus is a scientific name indicating the genus (Canis) and the species (nipponicus) of the organism, fitting exactly with classification level C: genus and species.
