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Important Scientific Names of Animals, Complete List

Scientific Names of Animals: Scientific names, classify animals based on genus and species, ensuring precise identification and global recognition. Check List of Scientific Names of Animals here.
authorImageParul Rishi15 Apr, 2024
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Scientific Names of Animals

Scientific Names of Animals: Scientific names, also called scientific nomenclature, are two-part names that include a genus and a species. The genus starts with a capital letter, while the species name is always in lowercase. This naming system applies to both animals and plants, ensuring that each species has its unique identifier consisting of two parts.

Check Scientific Names of Animals below!

Scientific Names of Animals

Many competitive exams, including SSC (Staff Selection Commission) exams, play a crucial role in recruiting candidates for various government positions. Aspirants dedicate considerable time and focus to prepare for these exams. Binomial nomenclature, a formal naming system originating from Latin or other languages, is employed to assign distinct names to species by combining two terms. This systematic method ensures that each species possesses a unique identification. To support candidates preparing for upcoming SSC exams, we have compiled a table featuring important scientific names of animals.

Scientific Nomenclature

In the vast diversity of plants and animals worldwide, local names can vary greatly, causing confusion among scientists. To ensure a universal standard for identifying organisms, a formal process called nomenclature is employed. This process, also known as scientific nomenclature or binomial nomenclature, involves giving each organism a unique scientific name that remains consistent across regions and languages. For instance, the scientific name of the mango is Mangifera indica. In this example, "Mangifera" represents the genus name, while "indica" specifies the species. This structured approach ensures clarity and precision in scientific communication, allowing researchers worldwide to refer to the same organism using a standardized name.

How to Write Scientific Names?

To simplify the study of organisms, scientists have developed procedures to assign scientific names to each known species. These names are governed by international codes recognized by biologists worldwide. For plants, the International Code for Botanical Nomenclature (ICBN) establishes principles and criteria for naming, ensuring a standardized approach. Similarly, for animals, the International Code of Zoological Nomenclature (ICZN) provides guidelines for naming based on the same principle of distinct identity across the globe.

Scientific Names of Animals List

Scientific names, also known as binomial nomenclature, provide a consistent method for identifying and organizing different organisms. They serve as a common language for scientists worldwide, enabling clear communication about various animal species. Below is a comprehensive compilation of scientific names for commonly known animals.
Scientific Names of Animals List
Animals Scientific Names
Ant Formicidae
Arabian camel Camelus dromedarius
African elephant Loxodonta
Albatross Diomedeidae
Alpaca Vicugna pacos
Asian Elephant Elephas maximus
Bat Chiroptera
Bird Aves
Brown Tree Snake Boiga irregularis
Gaur Bos gaurus
Goat Capra aegagrus hircus
Bear Ursidae
Polar bear Ursus maritimus
Sun bear Helarctos malayanus
Blackbuck Antilope cervicapra
Black rat Rattus rattus
Buffalo Bubalus bubalis
Bulbul Pycnonotidae
Butterfly Rhopalocera
Cat Felis catus
Cheetah Acinonyx jubatus
Chinkara Gazella bennettii
Cobra Naja
Cockroach Blattodea
Common Myna Acridotheres tristis
Cow Bos taurus
Crocodile Crocodylus palustris
Deer Cervidae
Dog Canis lupus familiaris
Dolphin Cetacea
Eagle Accipitridae
Elephant Elephantidae
Fish Vertebrata
Red fox Vulpes vulpes
Gavial or Gharial Gavialis gangeticus
Giraffe Giraffa camelopardalis
Great horned owl Bubo virginianus
Hen Gallus gallus domesticus
Hippopotamus Hippopotamus amphibius
Horse Equus caballus
House crow Corvus splendens
Housefly Musca domestica
House mouse Mus musculus
House sparrow Passer domesticus
House wall Lizard Hemidactylus flaviviridis
Indian Cobra Naja naja
Parrot Psittaciformes
Indian Python Python molurus
Kashmir stag or hangul Cervus canadensis hanglu
King cobra Ophiophagus hannah
Koel Eudynamys scolopaceus
Leopard or panther Panthera pardus
Monkey Simiiformes (infraorder)
Mosquito Culicidae
Lion Panthera leo
Lizard Squamata
Nilgai Boselaphus tragocamelus
Peacock Pavo cristatus
Pig Sus
Prawn Dendrobranchiata
Rabbit Oryctolagus cuniculus
Rat Rodentia
Rat snake Ptyas mucosa
Rattlesnake Crotalinae
Rhesus monkey Macaca mulatta
Rhinoceros Rhinoceros unicornis
Sea snake Hydrophiinae
Sheep Ovis aries
Siberian crane Grus leucogeranus
Snakehead Channidae
Sparrow Passer domesticus
Spider Araneae
Starfish Asteroidea
Tiger Panthera tigris
Tiger Snake Notechis scutatus
Wild Ass Equus africanus asinus
Wild boar Sus scrofa
Wolf Canis lupus
Zebra Equus quagga
Earthworm Lumbricus
Grasshopper Caelifera
Honey Bee Apis
Pigeon Columba livia
Snake Serpentes

Scientific Names of Extinct Organisms

Here are some of the most famous extinct organisms, along with their scientific names:
  1. T-Rex (Tyrannosaurus rex)
  2. Dodo (Raphus cucullatus)
  3. Woolly mammoth (Mammuthus primigenius)
  4. Sabre-toothed tiger (Smilodon)
  5. Quagga (Equus quagga quagga)
  6. Megalodon (Carcharocles megalodon)
  7. Passenger pigeon (Ectopistes migratorius)
  8. Stegosaurus
  9. Velociraptor
  10. Woolly rhinoceros (Coelodonta antiquitatis)
These organisms, although extinct, continue to capture our imagination and contribute to our understanding of Earth's biodiversity.

Usage of Scientific Names

Binomial nomenclature, or scientific names, is a systematic process rooted in Latin for naming living organisms such as plants and animals. This method offers several advantages:
  1. Classification and Organization: It facilitates a comprehensive organization of entities, simplifying the study and understanding of their characteristics.
  2. Precision and Clarity: Each organism is assigned a unique scientific name, ensuring clarity and avoiding confusion in communication.
  3. Universal Recognition: Scientific names are globally recognized and standardized, enabling seamless communication among scientists regardless of language or region.
  4. Stability: Even if species are reclassified into different genera due to new discoveries or knowledge, their scientific names remain unchanged, maintaining stability in nomenclature.
  5. Understanding Similarities and Differences: By grouping species with similar characteristics under the same genus, scientific names aid in recognizing similarities and differences between species, provide a better understanding of their relationships.
To succeed in upcoming exams, candidates should consider exploring PW SSC Books We provide high-quality content at an affordable price, including sample papers, mock tests, guidance sessions, and more to ensure aspirants secure their selection. Also, enroll today on SSC Online Coaching to turn your dreams into reality.
Other Related Links
Tiger Reserves in India National Parks in India
Biosphere Reserves in India Elephant Reserves in India

Scientific Names of Animals FAQs

What is the Scientific Name of Human beings?

The Scientific name of Human beings is Homo sapiens.

Who is the father of Scientific Nomenclature?

The father of Scientific Nomenclature is Swedish botanist Carolus Linnaeus.

What is the scientific name of cat?

The scientific name of cat is Felis catus.

What is the scientific name of Lion?

The scientific name of lion is Panthera leo.
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