Difficulty: Easy
Correct Answer: Cat
Explanation:
Introduction / Context:
This question checks your general knowledge of animals and their biological families. It requires you to identify which animal does not belong to the same family as the others, a common type of odd one out item in reasoning tests.
Given Data / Assumptions:
Concept / Approach:
Wolves, dogs, and foxes all belong to the dog family, called Canidae. Cats belong to a different group known as the cat family, Felidae. Even though all four animals are carnivorous mammals, the family level classification distinguishes the odd one out.
Step-by-Step Solution:
Wolf: Belongs to family Canidae and is closely related to dogs and foxes.
Dog: Also a member of family Canidae, sharing many physical traits with wolves and foxes.
Fox: Another canid, placed in the same family Canidae.
Cat: Belongs to family Felidae, the cat family, which includes lions, tigers, and domestic cats.
Hence three animals are canids, while cat is a felid, making cat the odd animal.
Verification / Alternative check:
You can also think in terms of general appearance and common groupings. Wolves, dogs, and foxes all resemble each other more closely in body shape, muzzle length, and behaviour, and are often collectively referred to as dog like animals. Cats have a different body structure, face shape, and movement style, which supports their placement in a separate biological family.
Why Other Options Are Wrong:
Common Pitfalls:
Some candidates may focus on domestic versus wild animals and get confused between dog and cat. However, this classification is based on family level zoology, not domestication. Both dog and cat can be domestic, so that is not the correct basis. Recognising that three animals are in Canidae while cat is in Felidae leads to the correct choice.
Final Answer:
Cat
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