What is the scientific name for a duck? The common mallard duck scientific name is Anas platyrhynchos.
Ducks are among the most crucial waterfowl on the planet. They live in freshwater, saline, wetlands, and artificial ponds. The scientific name of a duck makes it easier for researchers to correctly identify duck species worldwide, thus avoiding the confusion caused by commonly used names.
Ducks possess many traits and abilities, including the ability to fly long distances, adapt to various weather conditions, and maintain a balance in their environment. Knowing the scientific name of a duck opens the door for one to trace its evolution, understand its physico-chemical makeup, and learn about its zoological classification.
What is the Scientific Name for a Duck?
The scientific name for a duck is Anas platyrhynchos, referring to the common wild duck, also known as the mallard duck. Ducks are water birds and belong to the family Anatidae, which also includes swans and geese. The name duck owes its origin to Latin words that refer to the bird’s wide, flat bill and swimming manner.
Duck Scientific Name Meaning and Pronunciation
| Term | Details |
|---|---|
| Scientific Name | Anas platyrhynchos |
| Pronunciation | Ay-nas plat-ee-rine-kos |
| Latin Meaning | Anas means “duck,” and platyrhynchos means “broad bill,” referring to the wide, flat beak of ducks. |
The scientific name duck is made in italics every time, and the genus name Anas is always capitalized, while the species name platyrhynchos is not written capital letters. This system of naming was established by the great scientist Carl Linnaeus under the binomial nomenclature method.
Duck Genus and Species:
- The duck’s genus is Anas
- The wild duck or mallard’s species name is Platyrhynchos
- All domesticated ducks are the offspring of wild mallard ducks
The genus Anas includes many species of ducks worldwide, such as mallards, teals, pintails, and wigeons. They are similar in body structure but different in color patterns, migration behavior, and size.
Biological Classification of Duck
This table presents the proper biological and zoological rank of ducks. Each classification level assists in tracing the evolutionary relationship among ducks and other birds.
| Classification Level | Scientific Term | Meaning |
|---|---|---|
| Kingdom | Animalia | Animals |
| Phylum | Chordata | Animals with a spinal cord |
| Class | Aves | Birds |
| Order | Anseriformes | Waterfowl birds |
| Family | Anatidae | Duck, geese, and swans family |
| Genus | Anas | Common duck group |
| Species | platyrhynchos | Mallard duck, most widespread duck |
| Common Name | Duck | Broad-billed water bird |
