Classify the tiger (Panthera tigris) in the hierarchical system of biological classification, giving the Domain, Kingdom, Phylum, Class, Order, Family, Genus, and Species. Justify the placement at each rank.
Answer
Domain: Eukarya, Kingdom: Animalia, Phylum: Chordata, Class: Mammalia, Order: Carnivora, Family: Felidae, Genus: Panthera, Species: tigris
Step-by-step solution
- Domain Eukarya: Tissues are composed of eukaryotic cells with nuclei, so the tiger belongs to Eukarya.
- Kingdom Animalia: Tigers are multicellular, heterotrophic organisms that lack cell walls; hence, they are animals.
- Phylum Chordata: Presence of a notochord, dorsal nerve cord, and pharyngeal slits during embryonic development places the tiger in Chordata.
- Class Mammalia: Tigers have hair, mammary glands, and give birth to live young, which are characteristics of mammals.
- Order Carnivora: Their teeth and digestive system are adapted for a carnivorous diet, identifying them as carnivores.
- Family Felidae: Tigers have retractable claws, a specialized jaw structure, and a pattern of stripes, typical of the cat family.
- Genus Panthera: Tigers belong to Panthera because they share the ability to roar and have a similar skull structure.
- Species tigris: The specific epithet tigris distinguishes this particular species within the genus Panthera.
Common mistake: Putting the tiger under the wrong family (e.g., Canidae) or mislabeling the domain as Bacteria
Concept tested: Hierarchical classification of a species
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