**Core Concept**
Lobar pneumonia is a type of pneumonia characterized by an acute inflammatory process that affects one or more lobes of the lung. It is typically caused by the bacterium *Streptococcus pneumoniae* and is marked by homogeneous consolidation of lung tissue.

**Why the Correct Answer is Right**
Segmental consolidation is more characteristic of bronchopneumonia, which is a different type of pneumonia. In bronchopneumonia, the inflammatory process is more diffuse and affects multiple segments or lobules of the lung, often with air bronchograms visible on chest radiographs. Lobar pneumonia, in contrast, typically presents with homogeneous consolidation of one or more lobes, which is due to the uniform distribution of inflammatory cells and exudate within the affected lobe.

**Why Each Wrong Option is Incorrect**
**Option A:** Homogeneous consolidation is indeed a feature of lobar pneumonia, as it reflects the uniform distribution of inflammatory cells and exudate within the affected lobe.
**Option B:** The air bronchogram sign is present in both lobar and bronchopneumonia, as the alveoli are filled with fluid and the normally invisible air-filled bronchi become visible on radiographs.
**Option D:** Lobar pneumonia is indeed typically caused by pneumococcal infection, which is usually due to *Streptococcus pneumoniae*.

**Clinical Pearl / High-Yield Fact**
Lobar pneumonia often presents with symptoms such as fever, chills, cough, and pleuritic chest pain, and may be accompanied by signs of respiratory distress. The presence of an air bronchogram sign on chest radiograph can help differentiate lobar pneumonia from other types of pneumonia, such as bronchopneumonia.

**✓ Correct Answer: C. Segmental consolidation**