Question

In the zoological name of fish Catla catla, the specific name is identical with the generic name, thus it is an example of ______________.

• A. Antonym
• B. Tautonymy
• C. Synonym
• D. Homonym

Answer 1

Answer: (B)

Tautonymy

• Tautonyms are the scientific names in which both generic and specific epithets are the same.
• Tautonyms are used in zoological nomenclature. However, in the current rules for the nomenclature of living organisms, tautonyms are explicitly prohibited.
• Examples of tautonyms are Rattus rattus (rat), Catla catla (catla), Gorilla gorilla (western gorilla), etc.