Canadian Forces Aptitude Test (CFAT) Practice

Salmon belongs to which broader category of animals?

1. Amphibian

2. Fish

3. Reptile

4. Mammal

The correct answer is: Fish

Salmon are classified as fish, which places them in the broader category of aquatic vertebrates known for having gills, scales, and a streamlined body. This classification is part of a grouping that includes various species inhabiting both freshwater and saltwater environments. Specifically, salmon are members of the family Salmonidae, which encompasses species such as Atlantic salmon and various Pacific salmon. The other categories listed consist of distinct groups based on specific biological characteristics. Amphibians, for instance, encompass animals that undergo metamorphosis from a larval stage to an adult form, typically requiring aquatic environments for part of their life cycle. Reptiles are characterized by their dry, scaly skin and are primarily terrestrial. Mammals are warm-blooded animals that bear live young and have fur or hair, along with mammary glands for nursing. Understanding these distinctions clarifies why salmon, as members of the fish category, fit squarely in the aquatic realm rather than in any of the other options.