The binomial system gives every species a unique two-part scientific name. It was introduced by Carl Linnaeus and is used by scientists all over the world.The two parts are:
• the genus name, written first, which starts with a capital letter
• the species name (specific name), written second, which starts with a lower case letter.For example, humans are Homo sapiens. Binomial names are printed in italics and underlined when handwritten. After the first use in a piece of writing, the genus may be shortened to its initial, as in H. sapiens.The names are based on Latin or Greek, so they are the same in every language. Species in the same genus share the first part of their name. The lion is Panthera leo and the tiger is Panthera tigris, showing that they are closely related members of the same genus.The binomial system avoids the confusion caused by common names:
• one species may have several common names in different regions or languages.
• the same common name may be used for different species. The 'robin' in Britain (Erithacus rubecula) and the 'robin' in North America (Turdus migratorius) are different species in different families.Because each binomial name refers to only one species, scientists in different countries can be sure they are discussing the same organism.
• the genus name, written first, which starts with a capital letter
• the species name (specific name), written second, which starts with a lower case letter.For example, humans are Homo sapiens. Binomial names are printed in italics and underlined when handwritten. After the first use in a piece of writing, the genus may be shortened to its initial, as in H. sapiens.The names are based on Latin or Greek, so they are the same in every language. Species in the same genus share the first part of their name. The lion is Panthera leo and the tiger is Panthera tigris, showing that they are closely related members of the same genus.The binomial system avoids the confusion caused by common names:
• one species may have several common names in different regions or languages.
• the same common name may be used for different species. The 'robin' in Britain (Erithacus rubecula) and the 'robin' in North America (Turdus migratorius) are different species in different families.Because each binomial name refers to only one species, scientists in different countries can be sure they are discussing the same organism.