Choose the correct masculine noun for 'Hen'.

Rooster

In grammar, nouns are categorized based on gender. A masculine noun refers to the male members of a species, while a feminine noun refers to the female members. In the case of 'Hen', which refers to a female chicken, the masculine counterpart is 'Rooster', which refers to a male chicken.

To understand this better, let’s explore a few key concepts:

1. Gender of Nouns: Nouns can be masculine, feminine, or neuter. In English, the gender of animals and humans is often distinguished by specific terms. For example, a cow (feminine) and a bull (masculine) represent opposite genders of the same species.
2. Rooster and Hen: The term 'Hen' refers specifically to a female chicken, especially one that is older and capable of laying eggs. On the other hand, a 'Rooster' is the male counterpart, known for its distinctive crowing. The rooster’s role in the chicken community is often associated with guarding the flock and attracting hens.
3. Concept of Gendered Animal Nouns: Many animals have gender-specific terms, especially in farming and agriculture. For instance:
   • Lion (male) and Lioness (female)
   • Horse (male) and Mare (female)
   • Duck (male) and Duckling (female)

This distinction is essential in language, especially when discussing animals in their natural habitats or in farming.