The scientific binomial name of a species is Canis vulpis. Which of the following is true? A. The species belongs in the family Cranis. B. the species belongs in the genus vulpis. C. the species belongs in the genus Canis. D. the species belongs in the family vulpis.
To determine which of the options is true, we need to understand the structure of a scientific binomial name. In a binomial name, the first term represents the genus of the species, and the second term represents the specific epithet or species name.
In the given case, the binomial name is "Canis vulpis." So, let's break it down:
- Genus: The first term is "Canis".
- Specific epithet: The second term is "vulpis".
Now we can consider the options:
A. The species belongs in the family Cranis: This option mentions a family "Cranis," which is not mentioned in the given binomial name, so it is not correct.
B. The species belongs in the genus vulpis: This option incorrectly assumes that "vulpis" is the genus, but it is the specific epithet. Therefore, this option is not correct.
C. The species belongs in the genus Canis: This option correctly identifies "Canis" as the genus, which matches the first term in the binomial name. So, this option is true.
D. The species belongs in the family vulpis: This option incorrectly assumes that "vulpis" is the family. However, the binomial name does not include any information about the family. Therefore, this option is not correct.
In conclusion, the correct answer is: C. The species belongs in the genus Canis.