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Ans. The binomial nomenclature of humans is Homo sapiens, where Homo represents the genus and sapiens denotes the species.
Q. What is binomial nomenclature with examples?
Ans. Binomial nomenclature is a formal system of naming species using a two-part name, which consists of the genus and the specific epithet. For example, the scientific name for the domestic cat is Felis catus, where Felis represents the genus and catus specifies the species.
Q. Who introduced binomial nomenclature?
Ans. Binomial nomenclature was introduced by the Swedish botanist Carl Linnaeus, who is known as the father of modern taxonomy.
Q. What is nomenclature in botany?
Ans. Nomenclature in botany refers to the system of naming plants scientifically, following specific rules and conventions to ensure that each species has a unique and universally accepted name.
Q. Why is binomial nomenclature important?
Ans. Binomial nomenclature is important because it provides a standardized and universally accepted naming system for organisms, reducing confusion and ensuring that each species is identified uniquely.
Binomial Nomenclature, Definition, Rules, Importance and Drawbacks
Understand how Binomial Nomenclature simplifies naming organisms with Definition, Rules, Importance and Drawbacks of Binomial Nomenclature to master species naming.
Krati Saraswat4 Jun, 2025
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Binomial nomenclature is a formal system of naming species using two Latinized names: the genus and the species. Developed by Swedish botanist Carl Linnaeus, this system standardizes the way organisms are named, providing a unique and universally accepted identifier for each species. The first part of the name represents the genus, while the second part specifies the species, such as Homo sapiens for humans. Binomial nomenclature simplifies scientific communication by ensuring that each organism has a distinct and recognized name across the globe, regardless of language or region. This topic is also important for the NEET exam , as it enhances understanding of biological classification .
Binomial Nomenclature Definition
Binomial Nomenclature is a formal system of naming organisms introduced by the scientist Carolus Linnaeus , who is recognized as the founder of modern taxonomy . Also known as Binary Nomenclature, it assigns each species a unique two-part name: the first part, called the generic epithet, represents the genus or category, and the second part, known as the specific epithet, identifies the species itself. While typically Latin-based, this naming system may also incorporate other languages to form scientific names.
Binomial Nomenclature Rules
Understanding the rules of binomial nomenclature is essential for accurately naming and classifying organisms. This system ensures consistency and clarity in biological naming across different languages and regions.
Latinized Names: Biological names are generally in Latin or Latinized forms, regardless of the organism's native language or origin. This ensures that the names are standardized and universally recognized across different languages and regions.
Two-Part Naming System : In a biological name, the first word represents the genus, while the second word refers to the specific epithet (species). For example, in Mangifera indica (the scientific name for mango), Mangifera is the genus, and indica is the species.
Formatting Rules :
When handwritten, each word in the biological name is separately underlined.
When printed or typed, the names are italicized to highlight their Latin origin.
Capitalization : The first word (genus) always begins with a capital letter, while the second word (species) starts with a lowercase letter. For instance, in Mangifera indica, "Mangifera" is capitalized, while "indica" is in lowercase.
Author’s Citation : The name of the scientist who first described the species is often added at the end of the biological name in an abbreviated form. For example, Mangifera indica Linn. indicates that the species was first described by Carl Linnaeus, with "Linn." as the abbreviation for his name.
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Why is Binomial Nomenclature Important?
Binomial nomenclature is crucial for providing a universal, consistent naming system that enhances clarity, facilitates communication, and prevents misidentification among species worldwide.
Provides a universal name for organisms recognized worldwide, eliminating language barriers.
Ensures definitive names that are accepted universally, reducing confusion caused by common names.
Facilitates easy naming, classification, and description of newly discovered species.
Each species has a unique scientific name, preventing misidentification.
Scientists can communicate effectively across regions using standardized names.
Scientific names often indicate evolutionary relationships among organisms.
Binomial Nomenclature Drawbacks
While binomial nomenclature is an effective naming system, it has limitations, including restricted naming capacity, language barriers, evolving classifications, subjective naming practices, and inadequate representation of some organism groups.
Restricted Naming: Binomial nomenclature consists of only two parts (genus and species), which may not sufficiently encompass all the variations among different organisms.
Language Barriers : The use of Latin names can be challenging for those unfamiliar with Latin or scientific terminology, making it difficult for non-experts to comprehend.
Evolving Classifications : As scientific knowledge advances, classifications of organisms may change, leading to potential confusion if outdated names are still in circulation.
Subjective Naming : The naming of organisms relies on the judgment of scientists, which can differ. Consequently, various scientists may assign different names to the same organism based on their interpretations of data.
Inadequate Representation: Some groups of organisms may not be adequately represented within binomial nomenclature, resulting in names that do not accurately capture their diversity.
MCQs of Binomial Nomenclature
Q1. In binomial nomenclature, the name of an organism consists of-
a scientific and common name.
name of genus and species.
a name given by two scientists.
one name is Latin, the other is common.
Q2. The scientific name of mango is-
Azadirachta indica.
Mangifera indica.
Mangifera neovosia.
Solanum tuberosum.
Q3. Which of the following is true for binomial nomenclature?
(I) The names are derived from Latin.
(II) When handwritten they should be written in italics.
(III) The first name is the name of the genus.
(I) and (II)
(II) and (III)
(I) and (III)
(II) and (I)
Answers of MCQs of Binomial Nomenclature
Ans1 . name of genus and species. Ans2 . Mangifera indica. Ans3 . (I) and (III) Unlock your potential with Physics Wallah's NEET coaching ! Our expert educators provide comprehensive study materials, interactive classes, and personalized guidance to help you excel in your NEET exams.
