Classification of Poultry: Types, Scientific Names, and Chromosome Numbers
Poultry includes a wide range of domesticated birds raised for the production of meat, eggs, feathers, and other useful products. Understanding the classification of poultry is important in veterinary science and poultry production, as different species vary in their taxonomy, chromosome number, biological characteristics, and nomenclature. This article covers the classification of major poultry species along with their scientific names and chromosome numbers.
Birds evolved from theropod dinosaurs, a group of bipedal dinosaurs within the archosaur lineage. Modern birds are endothermic vertebrates characterized by feathers, beaks, wings, and other anatomical adaptations for flight, although not all living birds are capable of sustained flight. Birds are adapted to a wide range of terrestrial and aquatic environments rather than being specifically associated with hot and dry climates.
Birds belong to the class Aves. Living birds are broadly divided into two major groups: Palaeognathae, which includes ostriches, emus, kiwis, and other palaeognathous birds, and Neognathae, which comprises the vast majority of living bird species, including chickens, ducks, turkeys, quail, and other domesticated poultry. This modern classification is preferred over the older divisions of Ratitae and Carinatae.
The genera and species of domesticated poultry, chromosome numbers, and nomenclature based on age and sex are detailed below:
| Sl. No. | Common Name | Zoological Name and Chromosome Number (2n) |
|---|---|---|
| 1. | Chicken | Gallus gallus domesticus – 78 |
| 2. | Duck | Anas platyrhynchos – 80 |
| 3. | Turkey | Meleagris gallopavo – 80 |
| 4. | Goose | Anser anser – 80 |
| 5. | Japanese quail | Coturnix coturnix japonica – 78 |
| 6. | Bobwhite quail | Colinus virginianus – 78 |
| 7. | Guinea fowl | Numida meleagris – 78 |
| 8. | Partridge | Perdix perdix – 80 |
| 9. | Pheasant | Phasianus colchicus – 82 |
| 10. | Peafowl | Pavo cristatus – 80 |
| 11. | Ostrich | Struthio camelus – 80 |
| 12. | Pigeon | Columba livia – 80 |
| 13. | Dove | Columba oenas – 80 |
| 14. | African Parrot | Psittacus erithacus |
| 15. | Indian Parrot | Psittacula krameri |
| 16. | Budgerigar | Melopsittacus undulatus |
| 17. | Muscovy Duck | Cairina moschata – 80 |
| 18. | Emu | Dromaius novaehollandiae – 80 |
