Which of the following is a scientific name for cattle?

• A. Bos taurus
• B. Bos indicus
• C. Ovis aries
• D. Sus scrofa

Answer: (A)

In binomial nomenclature, every species has a two-part Latin name built from a genus and a species epithet. Cattle belong to the genus Bos. The name Bos taurus identifies taurine cattle—the typical domesticated cattle found in dairy and beef production in many regions. This is the standard example of a scientific name for cattle.

Another valid cattle name is Bos indicus, which refers to zebu cattle adapted to hot climates. The key point here is that Bos taurus is the common scientific name used to represent cattle in general contexts, while Bos indicus represents a major cattle group as well. The remaining options are not cattle: Ovis aries is sheep, Sus scrofa is pig.