What is the scientific name of chicken? The Hens and chickens scientific name is Gallus gallus domesticus.
Poultry farming or basic animal science usually raises a well-known bird: the chicken. Chickens are raised by many people for their eggs and meat. Very few, however, know the chicken scientific name, the scientific name of the hen, and the biological classification of that well-known bird.
The present text aims to touch upon all things associated with chicken’s scientific name, its species, and the classification of hens in an easy-to-understand and accurate manner.
Table of Contents
What is the scientific name for a Hen?
The Biological name of the chicken is Gallus gallus domesticus. This name is given as per the biological classification. The scientists use this nomenclature worldwide to identify animals in a standard way.
The word Gallus gallus domesticus comes from Latin:
- Gallus means rooster or male chicken.
- Gallus gallus refers to the red junglefowl, the wild ancestor of the domestic chicken.
- Domesticus means that the chicken has been domesticated by humans.
Hence, the entire scientific name for chicken indicates domesticated from the red junglefowl.
Scientific Classification of Chicken And its Species
| Kingdom | Animalia |
| Phylum | Chordata |
| Class | Aves |
| Order | Galliformes |
| Family | Phasianidae |
| Genus | Gallus |
| Species | Gallus gallus |
| Subspecies | Gallus gallus domesticus |
Understanding Chicken Scientific Name
There are many questions about whether the scientific name for a chicken is different from the scientific name for a common rooster. The answer is no; both chickens and roosters fall under the same scientific classification – Gallus gallus domesticus.
The word hen refers to a female chicken. But in scientific terms, male and female chickens have the same name. So the correct scientific name is also Gallus gallus domesticus.
Just as a reiteration for clarity:
- What is the scientific name of the chicken? Gallus gallus domesticus
- What is the hen scientific name? Gallus gallus domesticus.
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.
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.
Most common breeds of chickens
There are many breeds of chickens in the world, even though their scientific names are similar. Some common breeds are:
- Leghorn: known for egg production
- Rhode Island Red: dual-purpose (meat and eggs)
- Brahma: large and used for meat
- Silkie: known for its soft feathers
They all belong to the same species and share the same chicken scientific name, although they are different in appearance and purpose, they belong to the same group, Gallus gallus domesticus.
Summary: 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.
- The scientific name of chicken indicates the domesticated nature of these birds with some remaining wild lineage.
