Binomial Nomenclature

Binomial nomenclature is a taxonomical system that was invented by Carolus Linnaeus. Under the system of binomial nomenclature, all organisms are given a two-word scientific name. The first word corresponds to the genus which the organism belongs to; the second is denoted as the “specific epithet” which is exclusive to that species. Binomial nomenclature is a subset of Linnaean taxonomy which addresses the lowest ranks in the taxonomic structure: genera and species.

To refer to an organism via binomial nomenclature, one needs to follow a set of rules.

  1. The genus name precedes the specific epithet.
  2. The genus is capitalized, and the specific epithet is not capitalized.
  3. The full name is italicized or underlined (typically italicized via digital media.)
“Newly created scientific names are also “Latinized”: You can name an insect you discover after a friend, but you must add a Latin ending.)”

In order to create a scientific name, one must also follow another set of rules.

  1. The genus name is usually a widely-accepted name, not one which is created for the species. One is usually creating a specific epithet in this event.
  2. The name must be “Latinized”. See the above quote as written by the authors of Campbell Biology, 12th edition. It must even follow grammatical convention for Latin, even if its root word is not Latin in origin.
  3. One should not name a species after themselves.
    • A fun fact: There’s actually no documented legislative or firm reasoning on why in comparison to hearsay, but it is frowned upon for understandable reasons. Possible, sensible reasons include a matter of ethics?