In the binomial name Canis lupus, the first word refers to the organism's

In the binomial name Canis lupus, the first word refers to the organism's

• A. Species
• B. Genus
• C. Family
• D. Order

Answer: (B)

In binomial nomenclature, each organism gets a two-part name where the first word identifies the genus, and the second word specifies the species within that genus. The genus groups closely related species together, sharing common features and a common evolutionary lineage. So in Canis lupus, Canis is the genus, which includes animals like wolves, dogs, and related canids. Lupus is the species epithet that names the particular species within that genus—the gray wolf. This naming system also allows for subspecies, such as Canis lupus familiaris for the domestic dog, which is a subspecies of the gray wolf. Higher ranks like family or order are not shown in the two-part name.

In binomial nomenclature, each organism gets a two-part name where the first word identifies the genus, and the second word specifies the species within that genus. The genus groups closely related species together, sharing common features and a common evolutionary lineage.

So in Canis lupus, Canis is the genus, which includes animals like wolves, dogs, and related canids. Lupus is the species epithet that names the particular species within that genus—the gray wolf. This naming system also allows for subspecies, such as Canis lupus familiaris for the domestic dog, which is a subspecies of the gray wolf. Higher ranks like family or order are not shown in the two-part name.