CDFA Pest Prevention Plant Regulation Practice Exam

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What is the scientific name for nutria?

Bassariscus astutus
Mesocricetus auratus
Myocastor coypus
Didelphis marsupialis

The correct answer is: Myocastor coypus

The scientific name for nutria is Myocastor coypus. This name is derived from the taxonomic classification of the species, with "Myocastor" representing the genus and "coypus" denoting the specific species. Nutria, also known as coypu, are large, semi-aquatic rodents native to South America but have been introduced in other regions, leading to significant impacts on local ecosystems. Understanding the Latin names of animals is essential in scientific communication, as they provide a universal nomenclature that transcends language barriers. The other names listed correspond to different species altogether: Bassariscus astutus refers to the ringtail, Mesocricetus auratus is the golden hamster, and Didelphis marsupialis is the common opossum. Each of these names belongs to distinct animals within different classifications, highlighting the diversity of the animal kingdom. Familiarity with these scientific names is crucial for anyone studying pest prevention and regulation, as accurate identification is key to addressing ecological concerns effectively.