Potato, tomato and brinjal are three different cultivated plant species, but all of them belong to which common botanical genus?

Introduction / Context:
This question tests your knowledge of scientific naming and botanical classification. Although potato, tomato, and brinjal (eggplant) appear very different in shape and culinary use, they share similarities that place them in the same genus. Recognising their common genus helps you connect everyday plants to formal taxonomy and understand the logic behind scientific names.

Given Data / Assumptions:
- Three plant species are mentioned: potato, tomato, and brinjal. - The question asks for their common genus. - Options include one plant genus and several animal related names. - Standard botanical classification and scientific names are assumed.

Concept / Approach:
In binomial nomenclature, each species name has two parts: the genus name and the specific epithet. Potato is Solanum tuberosum, tomato is Solanum lycopersicum (earlier Solanum esculentum), and brinjal is Solanum melongena. The shared genus name in all three is Solanum. The other options such as Panthera, Felis, and Tigris relate to animal classification, particularly big cats. Therefore, the genus that includes potato, tomato, and brinjal is Solanum.

Step-by-Step Solution:
Step 1: Recall the scientific name of potato as Solanum tuberosum. Step 2: Recall the scientific name of tomato as Solanum lycopersicum in modern classification, with Solanum as the genus. Step 3: Recall the scientific name of brinjal (eggplant) as Solanum melongena. Step 4: Observe that all three names start with the same genus name, Solanum. Step 5: Recognise that Panthera and Felis are genera of the cat family, and Tigris is a species name related to Panthera tigris. Step 6: Conclude that Solanum is the only genus among the options that correctly includes all three plant species.

Verification / Alternative check:
You can cross check by looking at examples in botany textbooks that discuss related crop plants. The family Solanaceae is specifically known as the potato family and includes Solanum tuberosum, Solanum lycopersicum, and Solanum melongena as its important members. These are often illustrated together to show how the same family and genus can give rise to different vegetables. Animal related genera like Panthera and Felis appear in zoology sections, especially in examples of family Felidae, and have no connection to these plants. This confirms that Solanum is the correct genus.

Why Other Options Are Wrong:
Panthera: This is an animal genus that includes big cats like lion (Panthera leo) and tiger (Panthera tigris) and is not used for plants. Felis: This is another cat genus, including smaller cats like the domestic cat (Felis catus), and has nothing to do with potato, tomato, or brinjal. Tigris: This is the species epithet in Panthera tigris and is not a plant genus at all, so it does not match the requirement of the question.

Common Pitfalls:
Students may get distracted by familiar sounding animal names like Panthera and Felis and forget that the question is strictly about plants. Another pitfall is spelling confusion between Solanum and other plant names, or assuming that each vegetable must belong to a separate genus. Remember that many crops we use daily can be closely related botanically. Linking potato, tomato, and brinjal to family Solanaceae and genus Solanum is a helpful way to remember their classification.

Final Answer:
Potato, tomato, and brinjal all belong to the genus Solanum.