Question

Scientific name of water buffalo

• A. Babalus babalis
• B. Bos indicus
• C. Bos Taurus
• D. Capra Hircus

Hint:

To remember taxonomic names, group them by family:
- Bovines: *Bos* (cattle), *Bubalus* (buffalo).
- Caprines: *Capra* (goat), *Ovis* (sheep).

Answer 1

The Correct Option is A

Step 1: Understanding the Concept:
Binomial nomenclature is the formal system of naming species of living things by giving each a name composed of two parts: the genus name (capitalized) and the specific epithet (lowercase).
Understanding the scientific taxonomy of livestock is essential for breed classification, genetics, and comparative animal biology.

Step 2: Detailed Explanation:
Let us identify the scientific names of the listed domestic livestock species:
1. Water Buffalo:
The domestic water buffalo belongs to the family Bovidae and the subfamily Bovinae.
Its accepted scientific name is Bubalus bubalis (typographically represented in the exam paper as "Babalus babalis").
There are two main ecological types of domestic water buffaloes: the river buffalo ($2n = 50$ chromosomes) and the swamp buffalo ($2n = 48$ chromosomes), both classified under the species Bubalus bubalis.
Therefore, this option is correct.
2. Bos indicus:
This is the scientific name for humped zebu cattle, which are native to South Asia (e.g., Sahiwal, Gir, Hariana breeds).
3. Bos taurus:
This is the scientific name for humpless European-type cattle, adapted to temperate climates (e.g., Holstein Friesian, Jersey, Guernsey breeds).
4. Capra hircus:
This is the scientific name for the domestic goat.

Step 3: Final Answer:
The scientific name of the water buffalo is Bubalus bubalis (written as 'Babalus babalis' in the choices).
Therefore, the correct option is (A).