In zoological nomenclature, Panthera tigris is the scientific binomial name of which large animal?

Introduction / Context:
Scientific names are used to identify species accurately across different languages and regions. For large and well known animals, competitive exams often ask you to match the correct binomial name with the common name. Panthera tigris is one such important example, as it refers to a highly recognisable and ecologically significant big cat. This question checks your familiarity with basic zoological nomenclature related to famous species.

Given Data / Assumptions:

• The scientific name given is Panthera tigris.
• We have to identify the corresponding common animal from the options.
• Options include Panther, Tiger, Whale and Goat.

Concept / Approach:
In zoology, genus names such as Panthera include several big cats. For example, Panthera leo refers to lion, Panthera pardus to leopard and Panthera tigris to tiger. The species name tigris clearly suggests a link to tiger. The other options like whale and goat come from completely different genera and are not part of Panthera. Therefore the correct match for Panthera tigris is tiger, which is also the national animal of India and a widely discussed conservation symbol.

Step-by-Step Solution:
Step 1: Recognise that Panthera is the genus that includes big cats such as lion, leopard and tiger. Step 2: Note that the species name tigris closely resembles the common word tiger. Step 3: Recall from general knowledge that the Bengal tiger and other tiger subspecies are referred to by the scientific name Panthera tigris. Step 4: Compare this with the options; tiger is the only big cat listed among mostly unrelated animals. Step 5: Confirm that whale and goat belong to totally different genera and cannot match the given scientific name. Step 6: Select Tiger as the correct answer.

Verification / Alternative check:
You can cross check this association by remembering that Panthera leo is lion and Panthera pardus is leopard. The pattern is that the species name indicates the specific big cat, while the genus name remains Panthera. Therefore, it is consistent that Panthera tigris corresponds to tiger. Conservation campaigns and wildlife documentaries often mention the scientific name of the tiger, reinforcing this fact for exam preparation.

Why Other Options Are Wrong:
Panther: Although the word panther is sometimes used informally to describe big cats, it is not the formal common name of Panthera tigris. It usually refers to leopards or other large cats, not specifically tiger.
Whale: Whales are marine mammals belonging to different orders and genera, not to Panthera, so this option is incorrect.
Goat: Goat is a domestic ruminant whose scientific name is Capra hircus, which is completely different from Panthera tigris.

Common Pitfalls:
Some students confuse common usage of the word panther with scientific naming and may be tempted to link Panthera directly to panther as a common name. It is important to remember that Panthera is a genus containing several big cats, and the species name tigris is the key to linking this name specifically to tiger. Careful attention to the entire binomial, not just the first part, helps avoid this confusion.

Final Answer:
The scientific name Panthera tigris refers to the animal commonly known as the Tiger.