Chickens are one of the most common domesticated animals in the world These birds provide humans with a valuable source of meat and eggs But what exactly is the scientific name and classification of the chicken? This article will uncover the taxonomy and nomenclature behind this ubiquitous farm animal.
A Brief Overview of Chickens
Chickens are medium-sized poultry that belong to the order Galliformes and the family Phasianidae. There are more than 60 breeds of domestic chickens descended primarily from the red junglefowl (Gallus gallus) of Southeast Asia.
Chickens were likely domesticated over 7,400 years ago in multiple locations across Asia. Since then, they have spread worldwide and become integral to agriculture and food production
These omnivorous birds are known for their fleshy combs, lobed wattles, and high-arched tails. Chickens breed rapidly, with hens capable of laying over 300 eggs per year under ideal conditions. They live in social groups called flocks which have a hierarchical pecking order.
The Scientific Name and Taxonomy of the Chicken
The scientific name for chickens is Gallus gallus domesticus. Let’s break this name down:
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Gallus refers to the genus for junglefowl and roosters.
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Gallus gallus is the species for the red junglefowl, the wild ancestor of domestic chickens.
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Domesticus indicates the chicken’s status as a domesticated subspecies.
So the full scientific name translates to “domesticated form of the red junglefowl.”
Here is the complete scientific classification of the chicken:
Kingdom: Animalia
Phylum: Chordata
Class: Aves
Order: Galliformes
Family: Phasianidae
Genus: Gallus
Species: Gallus gallus
Subspecies: Gallus gallus domesticus
This places chickens in the biological taxonomy of vertebrate animals, birds, landfowl, pheasants and junglefowl, and finally domesticated junglefowl.
The scientific name applies to all chickens – hens, roosters, chicks etc. Some taxonomists classify chickens as their own distinct species (G. domesticus) but Gallus gallus domesticus is more widely accepted.
Importance of the Chicken’s Scientific Name
Why is it important to use the scientific name Gallus gallus domesticus? Here are some key reasons:
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It provides standardization for researchers, farmers, and others who work with chickens.
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It reveals the evolutionary origins of chickens from junglefowl.
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It differentiates chickens from other birds both wild (quails, turkeys) and domesticated (ducks, geese).
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It enables clear communication about chicken biology, diseases, genetics etc.
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It helps organize chickens in taxonomy alongside their closest relatives.
So the scientific name Gallus gallus domesticus precisely identifies the domestic chicken and its context among living things. While various local and commercial names are used colloquially, the scientific nomenclature remains consistent worldwide.
Origins and History of Chicken Domestication
The chicken was domesticated over 7,400 years ago, probably starting in Southeast Asia and India. Multiple populations of wild junglefowl were likely involved, including:
- Red junglefowl (Gallus gallus)
- Gray junglefowl (G. sonneratii)
- Sri Lankan junglefowl (G. lafayetii)
- Green junglefowl (G. varius)
Through interbreeding with these wild species, early domestic chickens emerged. Archaeological and molecular evidence indicates chickens reached Europe and Africa by around 1,000 BC and the Americas possibly earlier by Polynesian contact.
Chicken domestication seems to have begun for cultural purposes like cockfighting or religious rituals. Only later were chickens primarily used for food and eggs. Nonetheless, the chicken has been closely associated with humans for millennia.
Why the Scientific Classification of Chickens is Important
Scientific classification integrates various factors concerning the chicken and its working relationships with different birds. For a proper understanding of a bird’s evolution, behavior, and feeding, the classification shows that;
- It shows the evolutionary relationship between turkeys, quails, and other birds.
- It helps in the study of diseases affecting the birds belonging to this group.
- It helps in conservation programs for wild bird species.
- It helps in improving feed, housing, and care systems for domestic chickens.
In all these fields, the correct scientific name of chicken, Gallus gallus domesticus, is used for research and communication.
Why Use Biological Names of Chicken?
The scientific names of chickens are also there to prevent confusion; Chickens may have different general names in various areas of the world. Nevertheless, scientists use a single name, Gallus gallus domesticus, for every domestic chicken worldwide.
Using the chicken’s zoological name also enables researchers, breeders, and veterinarians to keep accurate records and study the birds in clear and organized ways.
Scientific Name of Poultry | Poultry classification | Poultry Science | Basic of Poultry Science
FAQ
What is the scientific of chicken?
The chicken (Gallus gallus domesticus) is a domesticated subspecies of the red junglefowl (Gallus gallus), originally native to Southeast Asia. It was first domesticated around 8,000 years ago and has become one of the most common and widespread domesticated animals in the world.
Why are chickens called Gallus?
Chickens (Gallus gallus domesticus or Gallus domesticus) are the most common domestic animals worldwide. However, the origin of their domestication is obscure. The early 21st century mitochondrial DNA data suggest that various red junglefowl (Gallus gallus) subspecies are the wild ancestors of the domestic chicken.
What is the general name for chicken?
The genus and species name for chickens is Gallus gallus domesticus and for turkeys is Meleagris gallopavo. Ducks are waterfowl from the order Anseriformes. The genus and species name for the Pekin duck is Anas platyrhynchos, while for the Muscovy duck the genus and species name is Carinia moschata.
What is the scientific species of a chicken?
Chickens (Gallus gallus) belong to the family Phasiandae and are one of the most domesticated animals. Although they are generally believed to have evolved from the wild red jungle fowl of India, the scientific name for the chicken is contested.
What is the scientific name of chicken?
Let’s summarize the important things: The scientific name of chicken is Gallus gallus domesticus. The scientific name of chicken is once again Gallus gallus domesticus. The scientific name of chicken includes both males and females of this species. This term is useful in biology, agriculture, and the poultry trade.
What is the taxonomic classification of chickens?
Chickens are a type of domesticated fowl that are raised for meat and eggs. Here is the taxonomic classification of chickens: This shows that chickens belong to the kingdom Animalia, phylum Chordata, class Aves, order Galliformes, family Phasianidae, genus Gallus, species Gallus gallus, and subspecies Gallus gallus domesticus.
What kind of chicken is a chicken?
chicken, (Gallus gallus), any of more than 60 breeds of medium-sized poultry that are primarily descended from the wild red jungle fowl (Gallus gallus, family Phasianidae, order Galliformes) of India. The chicken is perhaps the most widely domesticated fowl, raised worldwide for its meat and eggs.
Is a chicken a genus or a species?
The genus name “Gallus” is derived from the Latin word for “rooster,” while the species name “domesticus” suggests that the chicken is a domesticated subspecies of the red junglefowl, its wild ancestor. What are some other names for a chicken? A chicken can go by different names depending on the context and region. Some common names include: 1.
Which genus contains junglefowl and domestic chickens?
The genus Gallus contains junglefowl species and domestic chickens. The species Gallus gallus includes red junglefowl and domestic chickens. Domestic chickens are the subspecies Gallus gallus domesticus. So in summary, chickens are classified as birds, gamebirds, pheasants, and domesticated fowl within the scientific taxonomy.
Are chickens avian species?
Chickens are classified as avian species that belong to the order Galliformes and family Phasianidae. The most common domesticated chicken is known scientifically as Gallus gallus domesticus. Chickens are a type of domesticated fowl that are raised for meat and eggs. Here is the taxonomic classification of chickens: