What is the accepted subspecies designation for Zebu within *Bos taurus*?
Answer
*Bos taurus indicus*
The generally accepted modern scientific classification places the Zebu as a subspecies of the domestic cattle species, *Bos taurus*. This specific designation is *Bos taurus indicus*. This contrasts with the humpless European cattle, which are classified as *Bos taurus taurus*. The historical designation *Bos indicus* is also recognized, but it represents a classification treating the Zebu as a separate species, a view that has largely been superseded by genetic evidence favoring the subspecies ranking within the shared *Bos taurus* species umbrella. The NCBI Taxonomy Browser frequently defaults to the *B. taurus indicus* notation for modern registration purposes.
Related Questions
What physical feature immediately identifies the Zebu cattle lineage?What is the accepted subspecies designation for Zebu within *Bos taurus*?What genetic reality supports classifying Zebu and European cattle as subspecies?Which extinct wild bovine lineage is the common ancestor of Zebu and European cattle?Where did the domestication event for Zebu (*B. taurus indicus*) primarily occur?Which morphological feature in Zebu aids significantly in thermoregulation?Which Zebu-derived composite breed is very common in the Americas?Within which taxonomic Family are Zebus grouped alongside goats and sheep?How does the skin structure of Zebu generally contrast with *Bos taurus taurus*?Which specific Zebu breed is noted for high milk yield compared to draft types?