Scientific Names of Animals And Plants: Definitions, Complete Details

Binomial Nomenclature

Binomial nomenclature is a system of providing each species with a unique two-part Latinised name consisting of its genus and species epithet; for example, Homo sapiens for humans. It was devised by Carl Linnaeus in the 18th century.

The names for organisms, before Linnaeus, were generally long descriptive titles or regional common names and, as such, led to confusion and misidentifications. Linnaeus developed a hierarchical system of grouping the species based on their similarities to form a classification system that serves as the basis for modern taxonomy.

Structure of Scientific Names

Scientific names are binomial, consisting of two parts: the genus name capitalised, and the species epithet in small letters. When handwritten, it should be in italics or underlined. For example,

• Homo sapiens—modern human

(Genus: Homo, Species: sapiens)

• Rosa indica—Indian rose

(Genus: Rosa, Species: indica)

Such a standardised form helps one to be clear and exact in the way of defining an organism and classifying it into a group, which allows easy study and research in the case of biological sciences through proper communication.

Principles of Naming (Binomial Nomenclature)

Latin is the language used for scientifically naming an organism. This tradition started during the Renaissance and Enlightenment periods, it was the language of communication in scholarship all across Europe. Its use continues today because Latin is a "dead" language, meaning it no longer changes and its meanings are fixed. Such stability ensures that scientific names remain consistent and universally understood among scientists worldwide, regardless of their native languages. There would be no confusion and accurate communication in both taxonomy and ecology and conservation biology while doing research, where a species is easily identified from its scientific name for classification purposes.

Also read

• MCQ on Scientific Names of Plants and Animals

• The Living World

• Biological Classification - Taxonomy

Rules of Binomial Nomenclature

Binomial Nomenclature is a system of naming organisms with two Latin names - one for genus and one for species. It follows the scientific rules of the international code, such as:

1. For Plants: ICBN – International Code of Botanical Nomenclature

2. For Animals: ICZN – International Code of Zoological Nomenclature

The rules are as follows:

• The genus name is always capitalised, as, for example, in Canis for dogs.

• The species epithet is written in lowercase, as, for example, lupus for wolves.

• When printed, scientific names are usually italicised, as, for example, in Canis lupus.

• The handwritten equivalent of italics is to underline the letters in Canis lupus, for example.

• Always write the genus name accompanied by the species epithet. Together the two parts make the species' scientific name-for example, Canis lupus.

• Scientific names are normally pronounced according to the rules of Latin pronunciation.

Scientific Names of Animals

These names are in Latin and follow a standard format of Genus + species. It helps to identify animals correctly all over the world. Given below are the scientific names of a few animals.

Scientific Names of Plants

These names are in Latin and follow a standard format of Genus + species. It helps to identify plants correctly all over the world. Given below are the scientific names of some plants

Taxonomic Hierarchy

The taxonomic hierarchy is a system of arranging organisms in categories of increasingly specific commonalities and evolutionary relationships.

1. Domain: This is the highest rank, based on cell type.

There are three recognised domains: Bacteria, Archaea, and Eukarya. Domain was introduced as the broadest 'branch of life".

2. Kingdom: One level below the domain, organisms are grouped by general cell structure and physiology.

Certain commonly recognised kingdoms house, for example: Animalia (animals), Plantae (plants), and Fungi.

3. Phylum: Going one step down, each kingdom is divided into phyla.

Further classification of organisms with higher-order similarities, but with the same body plan or structure, is done here. For example, the animal kingdom has Chordata as a phylum that includes vertebrates.

4. Class: Groups organisms in a phylum with more specific features.

Classes further divide phyla and group organisms based on even more specific characteristics than those of a phylum. Mammalia Class in the Chordata phylum are mammals.

5. Order: The next higher level is that of order.

It is more specifically a group of related organisms that share further characteristics, so Carnivora is part of the class Mammalia.

6. Family: Orders are divided into families.

A family includes a group of closely related genera. Felidae, for example, is the cat family and belongs to the order Carnivora.

7. Genus: A group of animals or plants that are very similar.

A group of species that are closely related and share a common ancestor. For example, Panthera (includes lion, tiger).

8. Species: It is the basic unit of classification.

A group of living things that can mate and have babies. For example, Panthera leo (lion).

Uses of Scientific Names

Scientific names therefore provide a common means of identifying and referring to organisms across languages and countries, archiving the ambiguity that may arise due to common usage by which names can vary greatly. Due to this, workers who come from different language backgrounds can correctly relate and understand, without any miscomprehension, as to which species is under discourse. Due to this precision, in biological studies where precision is extremely crucial, scientific names allow a researcher to make precise referrals and comparisons of species, thus promoting international cooperation in the development of science in taxonomy, ecology, as well as conservation biology.

Also Read:

Recommended video on Scientific Names of Animals And Plants