Which was the first animal to go into space?

Options

A. Cat
B. Monkey
C. Dog
D. Ape

Answer

**Step-by-Step Solution:**

1. **Identify the Question**: The question asks for the first animal to go into space.

2. **Recall Historical Context**: The first animal sent into space was part of the early space exploration efforts during the Cold War, specifically by the Soviet Union.

3. **Identify the Animal**: The first animal that went into space was a dog.

4. **Name the Dog**: The specific dog that was sent into space was named Laika.

5. **Understand the Selection Criteria**: Laika was a stray dog from Moscow. The Soviet scientists believed that a stray dog would be better suited to survive the harsh conditions of space travel, such as cold and hunger, compared to a domesticated pet dog.

6. **Conclusion**: Therefore, the first animal to go into space was Laika, the dog.

**Final Answer**: The first animal to go into space was Laika, a dog.

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