In binomial nomenclature, the terms Mangifera, Solanum and Panthera in the scientific names of mango, potato and lion represent which higher taxonomic category?

Introduction / Context:
Biological classification uses a standard system called binomial nomenclature to assign scientific names to organisms. Each scientific name has two parts arranged in a fixed order, and each part corresponds to a particular taxonomic category. This question checks whether you know what the first words Mangifera, Solanum, and Panthera represent in the complete names Mangifera indica, Solanum tuberosum, and Panthera leo.

Given Data / Assumptions:

• Mangifera indica is the scientific name of mango.
• Solanum tuberosum is the scientific name of potato.
• Panthera leo is the scientific name of lion.
• In binomial nomenclature, the first term is the generic name and the second is the specific epithet.
• Options list common taxonomic ranks such as genus, species, family, order, and class.

Concept / Approach:
In binomial nomenclature, each species name consists of two words. The first word is the generic name or genus, and the second word is the specific epithet. Together they form the species name. For example, in Homo sapiens, Homo is the genus and sapiens is the species epithet. Similarly, in Mangifera indica, Mangifera is the genus that includes mango and related species. Thus, Mangifera, Solanum, and Panthera are all generic names representing genera, not species or families.

Step-by-Step Solution:
Step 1: Recall the basic rule of binomial nomenclature where scientific names have a generic name followed by a specific epithet. Step 2: Identify that in Mangifera indica, the word Mangifera comes first and therefore is the generic name. Step 3: Similarly, in Solanum tuberosum, Solanum is the first word and acts as the generic name for a group of related species. Step 4: In Panthera leo, Panthera is the generic name that includes lion, tiger, and leopard as different species within the same genus. Step 5: Recognise that species is the complete two word combination, not just the first part. Step 6: Notice that family, order, and class are higher categories such as Solanaceae or Felidae, which have different names from the ones listed. Step 7: Therefore, Mangifera, Solanum, and Panthera all represent the rank of genus.

Verification / Alternative check:
Taxonomy charts show the hierarchy Kingdom, Phylum or Division, Class, Order, Family, Genus, Species. For mango, the genus is Mangifera and the species is Mangifera indica. For potato, the genus is Solanum and species is Solanum tuberosum. For lion, the genus is Panthera and species is Panthera leo. Families for these organisms are Anacardiaceae for mango, Solanaceae for potato, and Felidae for lion. This clearly distinguishes genus names from family names and confirms that the first terms in the scientific names represent the genus.

Why Other Options Are Wrong:
Species is the lowest rank and is written using both the generic name and the specific epithet together. Therefore, Mangifera indica is a species, not Mangifera alone. Family names such as Solanaceae or Felidae are different from the names given in the question. Order and class are still higher ranks like Solanales or Mammalia and do not match the given terms. Hence all other options do not correctly represent the first words listed.

Common Pitfalls:
One common confusion is between genus and species. Students sometimes think that the second word alone is the species name, but in fact species is the complete binomial. Another pitfall is forgetting the names of families and higher categories and assuming that a familiar sounding name like Panthera could be a family. Remember, in binomial nomenclature, the pattern is always genus followed by species epithet, which helps you quickly identify the category represented by the first word.

Final Answer:
Mangifera, Solanum, and Panthera each represent a Genus in the taxonomic hierarchy.