The binomial system - naming species

• Rules of binomial naming system:

  • Capitalised genus name
  • Lower case species name
  • Italicised when typed
  • Eg: Homo sapiens
• Binomial system:

  • Universal system based on latin or greek names
• Binomial system:

  • First name, called the generic name, denotes the genus to which the organism belongs
• Binomial system:

  • Second name, called the specific name, denotes the species to which the organism belongs
• Why binomial naming is important:

  • A species may have many different common names all over the world, but the binomial scientific name will be unique and universal
  • It also helps to have the genus to show close evolutionary relationships