What are the major classifications of animals in the animal sciences?

The major classifications of animals in the animal sciences are grouped based on their shared characteristics and biological classifications. The correct choice includes mammals, birds, reptiles, amphibians, and fish, which represents the five key classes of vertebrates within the phylum Chordata. This systematic classification reflects a fundamental understanding of how animals are categorized based on their evolutionary lineage, anatomical features, and life processes.

Mammals are characterized by features such as hair and mammary glands, birds by feathers and beaks, reptiles by scales and laying eggs, amphibians by living both in water and on land, and fish by gills and fins. This classification system is widely used in zoology and animal sciences to study the different types of animals and their respective biology, behavior, and ecology.

The other options do not encompass the broader classification necessary for a holistic understanding of the major groups within animal sciences. Insects, arachnids, and crustaceans belong to the phylum Arthropoda and represent a small subset of animal diversity, while carnivores, herbivores, and omnivores categorize animals by their dietary habits rather than their taxonomic classification. Lastly, dogs, cats, and livestock specify certain domesticated animals but fail to address the extensive