Which of the following is commonly cited as a commensal domestic animal?

• A. Dogs
• B. Lions
• C. Eagles
• D. Otters

Answer: (A)

Commensal domestic animals are those that live closely with humans and benefit from human environments and resources, often without directly affecting humans in a harmful way. Dogs are the classic example because they have been bred and kept by people for thousands of years to live in homes, guard property, work, or provide companionship. They rely on humans for food, shelter, and care, while humans receive benefits like protection, assistance with tasks, and companionship.

Lions, eagles, and otters are wild animals that do not live in domestic settings with humans. They don’t form the same kind of everyday, long-term living arrangement with people, so they aren’t considered commensal domestic animals.