Binomial Nomenclature

Binomial Nomenclature is a scientific system for naming living organisms using two words — the genus and the species. Introduced by Carl Linnaeus, it gives every organism a unique and universally accepted name to avoid confusion from common names.

All living organisms, including plants, animals, birds, and even microorganisms, have unique scientific names.

Examples

• The scientific name of a tiger is Panthera tigris, where Panthera denotes the genus and tigris specifies the species.
• The scientific name of humans is Homo sapiens, where Homo indicates the genus and sapiens refers to the species.
• The scientific name of the mango is Mangifera indica, where Mangifera indicates the genus and indica refers to the species.

Rules of Binomial Nomenclature

1. Both codes make sure that each organism gets a specific name.
2. Each scientific name has two parts: Generic name and Specific epithet.
3. Scientific names are usually Latin and written in italics.
4. The first word identifies the genus, the second identifies the species.
5. Handwritten names are underlined; typed names are italicized.
6. Genus starts with a capital letter, species with a small letter.
7. ICBN: International Code of Botanical Nomenclature (plants).
8. ICZN: International Code of Zoological Nomenclature (animals).

Importance

It provides a solution to the confusion caused by local common names throughout the world.

Drawbacks

• Law of priority: The first name used is correct, which can lead to synonyms.
• Names used before "Systema Naturae" (Linnaeus) are not recognized.