In the binomial name Canis lupus, what does the second word designate?

In the binomial name Canis lupus, what does the second word designate?

• A. Genus
• B. Species
• C. Family
• D. Order

Answer: (B)

In binomial nomenclature, the two parts of a name identify the organism at different levels: the first word names the genus, and the second word is the species epithet that specifies the particular species within that genus. So in Canis lupus, the second word names the species within the genus Canis—the gray wolf—distinguishing it from other species like Canis familiaris (the domestic dog). This second word is what designates the species.

In binomial nomenclature, the two parts of a name identify the organism at different levels: the first word names the genus, and the second word is the species epithet that specifies the particular species within that genus. So in Canis lupus, the second word names the species within the genus Canis—the gray wolf—distinguishing it from other species like Canis familiaris (the domestic dog). This second word is what designates the species.