BiologyClass 11CBSE
Q
Write the generic and specific name of tiger.
A
Answer:
Tiger Scientific Classification:
- Generic name (Genus):Panthera
- Specific name (Specific epithet):tigris
- Complete scientific name:Panthera tigris Linnaeus, 1758
Understanding the Components:
- Genus - Panthera:
- Represents a group of closely related large cats
- Includes other species like:
- Panthera leo (Lion)
- Panthera pardus (Leopard)
- Panthera onca (Jaguar)
- Panthera uncia (Snow Leopard)
- All Panthera species share characteristics such as:
- Large body size
- Ability to roar (due to specialized laryngeal structure)
- Carnivorous diet
- Powerful build
- Specific epithet - tigris:
- Uniquely identifies the tiger within the genus Panthera
- Derived from Greek word meaning "arrow" (referring to the tiger's swift movement)
- Distinguishes tigers from other big cats in the same genus
Taxonomic Hierarchy of Tiger:
- Kingdom: Animalia
- Phylum: Chordata
- Class: Mammalia
- Order: Carnivora
- Family: Felidae
- Genus:Panthera
- Species:tigris
Subspecies of Tiger:
Tigers have several recognized subspecies, each with a trinomial name:
- Panthera tigris tigris - Bengal tiger
- Panthera tigris altaica - Siberian tiger
- Panthera tigris corbetti - Indochinese tiger
- Panthera tigris sumatrae - Sumatran tiger
Writing Conventions:
- When typed: Panthera tigris (italicized)
- When handwritten: <u>Panthera</u> <u>tigris</u> (each word underlined separately)
- First letter of genus capitalized, specific epithet in lowercase