Difficulty: Easy
Correct Answer: Homo Sapiens
Explanation:
Introduction / Context:
This general biology question tests your knowledge of binomial nomenclature, the system used for giving scientific names to organisms. Each species is given a two part Latin or Latinised name that includes the genus and specific epithet. Knowing the correct scientific name for modern humans is a very common question in exams and forms the basis for understanding how scientific names are constructed.
Given Data / Assumptions:
- The question asks specifically for the scientific name of human beings.
- Four options present different two word Latin style names.
- It is assumed that the learner knows the standard genus for humans is Homo.
- The conventions of binomial nomenclature are implied.
Concept / Approach:
In binomial nomenclature, the scientific name of the modern human species is Homo sapiens. The first word, Homo, is the genus, and the second word, sapiens, is the specific epithet. Together, they denote the species. Scientific names are usually printed in italics with the genus capitalised and the species in lower case, but in plain text multiple choice questions, capitalisation rules may be simplified. The other options in the question are either invented combinations or names from other species, such as melongena for brinjal and tigris for tiger, and do not represent humans. Therefore, the correct scientific name of human beings is Homo sapiens (or Homo Sapiens as given in the option text).
Step-by-Step Solution:
Step 1: Recall that the genus name for humans is Homo.
Step 2: Recall that the species epithet for modern humans is sapiens, meaning wise or knowing.
Step 3: Combine these to get the full binomial name Homo sapiens.
Step 4: Examine option C, Homo Sapiens, which matches this combination, apart from capitalisation style.
Step 5: Examine option A, Homo Nigrum, which pairs Homo with a different epithet and is not the standard name.
Step 6: Note that option B, Melongena Sapiens, uses melongena, a word associated with the plant Solanum melongena, brinjal, and thus does not apply to humans.
Step 7: Note that option D, Tigris Solanum, combines words linked to tiger and the plant genus Solanum, and is clearly incorrect for humans.
Step 8: Conclude that Homo Sapiens is the correct answer as per binomial nomenclature.
Verification / Alternative check:
Textbooks, encyclopedias, and scientific articles consistently use Homo sapiens as the species name for modern humans. It is also widely used in discussions of human evolution, where Homo habilis and Homo erectus are discussed as earlier members of the genus. The specific epithet sapiens is unique to modern humans within this genus. Checking any reliable source on human classification would confirm Homo sapiens as the accepted scientific name, reinforcing that option C is correct.
Why Other Options Are Wrong:
Homo Nigrum: This is not a recognised species name for humans and appears to be an invented or incorrect epithet paired with Homo.
Melongena Sapiens: The word melongena is linked to the brinjal plant Solanum melongena and does not belong to the human genus.
Tigris Solanum: Tigris is part of the species name Panthera tigris for tiger, and Solanum is a plant genus. This combination is not used for humans in any classification.
Common Pitfalls:
Some learners may over focus on the word Homo and pick any option containing it without checking the second part of the name. Others may be unfamiliar with the meaning of sapiens and become distracted by unusual sounding options. To avoid mistakes, remember that for modern humans, the complete and correct binomial is Homo sapiens. Whenever you see Homo followed specifically by sapiens, you know it refers to human beings in scientific classification.
Final Answer:
The correct scientific name of modern human beings is Homo Sapiens.
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