Felis catus is the scientific binomial name used in zoological classification for which commonly known domestic animal?

Introduction / Context:
Scientific names are based on binomial nomenclature, using a generic name and a specific epithet, and they provide a standard way to identify species across languages and regions. Many exams test candidates on the scientific names of familiar animals and plants. Felis catus is a well known scientific name that every biology student should recognise. This question checks whether the learner can correctly link this scientific name to the common domestic animal it represents.

Given Data / Assumptions:

• The scientific name given is Felis catus.
• The options list several common animals such as cat, dog, mouse, and porcupine.
• We assume basic familiarity with binomial nomenclature and a few standard examples.
• We also assume that one and only one option matches this scientific name.

Concept / Approach:
In binomial nomenclature, each species is given a two part Latin or Latinised scientific name consisting of the genus and species. The domestic cat belongs to genus Felis and its scientific name is Felis catus. This name is widely used in textbooks, scientific literature, and exam questions. The domestic dog is called Canis familiaris or Canis lupus familiaris, the house mouse is Mus musculus, and the Indian porcupine belongs to other genera. Therefore, correctly matching Felis catus with the domestic cat is the task here.

Step-by-Step Solution:
Step 1: Recall that Felis is a genus that includes small cats. Step 2: Remember that the domestic cat is specifically named Felis catus in standard references. Step 3: Examine the options and identify which common animal is a small cat kept as a pet by humans. Step 4: Option A directly names Cat, which matches the known scientific name Felis catus. Step 5: Verify that the other animals listed have different scientific names and do not belong to genus Felis.

Verification / Alternative check:
We can cross check by recalling other scientific names. The domestic dog belongs to genus Canis, not Felis. The house mouse belongs to genus Mus, and porcupines are classified in genera such as Hystrix and Erethizon, depending on species. None of these share the genus name Felis. Textbook tables of common animals and their scientific names consistently list Felis catus as the domestic cat, confirming that Cat is the correct answer.

Why Other Options Are Wrong:
Option B: Dog is incorrect because the scientific name for the domestic dog is based on genus Canis, not Felis. Option C: Mouse is wrong because its scientific name is Mus musculus, and it does not belong to genus Felis. Option D: Porcupine is not classified under Felis and therefore cannot match Felis catus. Option E: Goat belongs to genus Capra, for example Capra hircus for the domestic goat, not Felis.

Common Pitfalls:
Candidates sometimes try to guess scientific names based on vague similarity of words. For example, they may think Felis sounds like a term for small animals in general or confuse it with other genera. Another common mistake is to forget that different domestic animals each have distinct genera and species names. To avoid confusion, it helps to memorise a small set of frequently asked scientific names, such as Homo sapiens for humans, Canis familiaris for dog, Felis catus for cat, Mus musculus for mouse, and so on.

Final Answer:
The scientific name Felis catus is used in zoological classification for the domestic cat.