Cattle belong to which family?

Correct option is D

The correct answer is (D) Bovidae

Explanation:
• Biological classification groups animals based on structural, evolutionary, and functional similarities.
• Cattle are domesticated ruminant mammals characterized by cloven hooves and the ability to chew cud.
• They belong to the order Artiodactyla, which includes even-toed ungulates.
• Within this order, cattle are placed in the family Bovidae due to their horn structure, digestive system, and genetic characteristics.
• The Bovidae family includes animals such as cows, buffaloes, sheep, goats, and antelopes.
• These animals share common traits like four-chambered stomachs and herbivorous feeding habits.
• Therefore, cattle are correctly classified under the family Bovidae.

Information Booster:
• Scientific name of domestic cattle is Bos indicus or Bos taurus.
• Bovidae members are important for milk, meat, hide, and draught power.
• Ruminants have a specialized stomach with rumen, reticulum, omasum, and abomasum.
• They contribute significantly to the livestock economy.
• Animal taxonomy is a frequent topic in competitive examinations.

Additional Knowledge:
• Equidae (Option A): Includes horses, donkeys, and zebras.
• Camelidae (Option B): Includes camels and llamas.
• Suidae (Option C): Includes pigs and wild boars.
• Hence, these families do not include cattle, making Bovidae the correct classification.

So the correct answer is (d)