Question

What is the scientific name for a sun bear?

Answer 1

The scientific name for a sun bear is Helarctos malayanus. This species of bear is found in Southeast Asia and is known for its distinctive golden or white chest patch. Sun bears are the smallest species of bear and are also known as "honey bears" due to their love of honey.

Answer 2

The scientific name for the sun bear is Helarctos malayanus. The genus name "Helarctos" is derived from the Greek words "heli-" meaning sun and "arctos" meaning bear, while the species name "malayanus" refers to the bear's distribution in the Malay Peninsula and surrounding regions of Southeast Asia.

Answer 3

The scientific name for a sun bear is Helarctos malayanus. The genus name "Helarctos" is derived from the Greek words "helos," meaning "sunbeam," and "arctos," meaning "bear." This name refers to the sun-like crescent-shaped marking found on the chest of many sun bears. The species name "malayanus" indicates its association with the Malay Peninsula, Borneo, and Sumatra, where sun bears are primarily found. Sun bears are the smallest bear species and have distinctive features like a short muzzle, small rounded ears, and a glossy black coat with a patch of short golden or orange fur on their chest. Their scientific name reflects their unique characteristics and geographic distribution.

Answer 4

The scientific name for the sun bear is "Helarctos malayanus." This scientific name is used in the classification system of binomial nomenclature, which was developed by Carl Linnaeus in the 18th century. In this system, each species is assigned a unique two-part name, with the first part, the genus name, referring to a broader group of species with shared characteristics, and the second part, the species name, designating the specific species within that genus. In the case of the sun bear:

- **Genus (First Part):** "Helarctos" - This refers to the genus to which the sun bear belongs, and it groups the sun bear with other bear species that share certain biological characteristics.

- **Species (Second Part):** "malayanus" - This specific part of the scientific name identifies the sun bear as the Malayan sun bear, emphasizing its geographical range in Southeast Asia.

Using scientific names helps avoid confusion and ensures clarity when referring to different species, as common names for animals can vary across regions and languages.