What is the scientific name for the European hamster?

What is the scientific name for the European hamster?

• A. Cricetus cricetus
• B. Mus musculus
• C. Rattus norvegicus
• D. Phodopus spp.

Answer: (A)

Binomial nomenclature gives each species a two-part name: the genus and the species epithet. For the European hamster, the genus is Cricetus and the species epithet is cricetus, so the scientific name is Cricetus cricetus. The other options correspond to different rodents: Mus musculus is the house mouse, Rattus norvegicus is the brown rat, and Phodopus spp. are dwarf hamsters, not the European hamster. Using the correct genus and species helps avoid confusion in research, care, and disease understanding.

Binomial nomenclature gives each species a two-part name: the genus and the species epithet. For the European hamster, the genus is Cricetus and the species epithet is cricetus, so the scientific name is Cricetus cricetus. The other options correspond to different rodents: Mus musculus is the house mouse, Rattus norvegicus is the brown rat, and Phodopus spp. are dwarf hamsters, not the European hamster. Using the correct genus and species helps avoid confusion in research, care, and disease understanding.