In zoological nomenclature, Canis familiaris is the scientific (binomial) name of which common domestic animal?

Introduction / Context:
Scientific names provide a standard way to identify organisms across languages and regions. In zoology, the genus Canis includes several familiar animals such as dogs, wolves and some species of foxes. The binomial Canis familiaris has traditionally been used for the domestic dog. This question checks whether you can match this Latin name with the correct common animal.

Given Data / Assumptions:

• The scientific name under consideration is Canis familiaris.
• The options list several common mammals, some of which belong to the genus Canis.
• We assume a basic familiarity with common domestic animals and their typical scientific names.

Concept / Approach:
In binomial nomenclature, the first word is the genus and the second word is the specific epithet. The genus Canis includes animals such as domestic dogs, wolves and some related species. The epithet familiaris suggests an animal that is familiar or domesticated. Historically, Canis familiaris has been widely used as the scientific name for the domestic dog. Some modern classifications treat the dog as a subspecies of the wolf (Canis lupus familiaris), but in many educational contexts Canis familiaris is still presented as the dog's scientific name.

Step-by-Step Solution:
Step 1: Recognise that Canis is the genus containing dog like animals such as dogs and wolves. Step 2: Interpret the specific epithet familiaris as suggesting a familiar or domesticated animal. Step 3: Compare the options: cat, dog, fox, wolf and goat. Only the domestic dog clearly fits both the genus Canis and the idea of a familiar domestic companion. Step 4: Recall that cats belong to the genus Felis, goats to the genus Capra and that while wolves are in genus Canis, they are usually named Canis lupus, not Canis familiaris. Step 5: Select domestic dog as the organism correctly named by Canis familiaris.

Verification / Alternative check:
Introductory biology and zoology textbooks often list common animals with their scientific names in tables. In those lists, the domestic dog is shown as Canis familiaris or sometimes Canis lupus familiaris. Domestic cats appear as Felis catus, while goats appear as Capra hircus. Foxes have other scientific names such as Vulpes vulpes, and wolves are Canis lupus. This consistent pattern confirms that Canis familiaris refers to the domestic dog in standard teaching material.

Why Other Options Are Wrong:
Domestic cat is wrong because cats belong to the genus Felis, not Canis. Fox is incorrect because common foxes are placed in the genus Vulpes, not in Canis familiaris. Wolf is not correct here because the grey wolf is usually named Canis lupus. Domestic goat is incorrect because goats are classified as Capra hircus, in the genus Capra.

Common Pitfalls:
A common confusion arises from the fact that modern classifications may group dogs as a subspecies of wolves, leading to names like Canis lupus familiaris. Students might therefore mistakenly think that Canis familiaris refers to wolves. To avoid such confusion, focus on the traditional use of Canis familiaris in basic zoology, where it consistently labels the domestic dog. Remembering a few very common scientific names by heart can greatly help in answering questions of this type.

Final Answer:
Canis familiaris is the scientific name of the Domestic dog.