Binomial nomenclature, Biology

Assignment Help:

Binomial Nomenclature

The modern system of classification (Binomial nomenclature) accepted by biologists today was proposed in 1758 by the Swedish botanist Linnaeus (1707-1778) in his 'Systema Natura'. This system was based on morphology. Linnaeus proposed that each type of organism should be given a unique Latin binomial (consisting of two terms) to set it apart from every other type of organism. The first word in this binomial designates the genus to which the species belongs.

A genus (plural: genera) contains one or more closely related and similar species. The second word in the binomial denotes the species itself, For example, according to this system, the domestic cat is Fe is domestica. This indicates that the domestic cat has been placed in the genus Felis and within that genus, has been given the specific or species epithet domestica. This complete name distinguishes the domestic cat from other species in the genus Felis, such as Felis bengalensis (leopard cat) and Felis chaus (jungle cat).

It also means that all species coming under the genus Feliis are more closely related and similar to one another than to species coming under any other genus. The generic name always begins with a capital. The specific name on the other hand begins always with a small letter. Both 'the generic and the specific names are italicised in print or are underlined in manuscript or typescript.


Related Discussions:- Binomial nomenclature

Explain capillaries of the vascular system, Q. What are the capillaries of ...

Q. What are the capillaries of the vascular system? Capillaries are small blood vessels that perform exchange of substances between the tissues and blood the body Capillaries a

What is an antigen, What is an antigen? Antigen is any substance, parti...

What is an antigen? Antigen is any substance, particle or infectious agent known as foreign to the body. The contact of the antigen with the body promotes a defense reaction ag

Explain contractile proteins, Explain Contractile Proteins These protei...

Explain Contractile Proteins These proteins participate in contractile processes such as muscle proteins as well as those found in other  cells and tissues. In the latter, thes

What is hypertrichosis of the ear, In humans, attached earlobes are a domin...

In humans, attached earlobes are a dominant feature over free earlobes while hypertrichosis of the ear is a holandric (Y-linked) feature. A person with attached earlobes and extens

Calculate the electric field at a point midway, Three charges are at the co...

Three charges are at the corners of an equilateral triangle, as shown in the figure below. Calculate the electric field at a point midway between the two charges on the x-axis. (Le

How d-glucose differs from d-galactose, D-glucose differs from D-galactose ...

D-glucose differs from D-galactose only in the arrangement around carbon 4. Therefore D-glucose and D-galactose are- Select one: a. enantiomers b. epimers c. mirror ima

Describe how many bones are there in human foot, Describe how many bones ar...

Describe how many bones are there in human foot The human foot is a great mechanical marvel. It has 26 bones, 29 joints, and 42, various ligaments, a sensitive and protective s

Explain the indirect methods of microbial estimation, Explain the Indirect ...

Explain the Indirect Methods of Microbial Estimation? Indirect methods, i.e., methods other than those counting the microbial cells can also be used for quantitation purpose. T

Venipuncture - blood collection, Venipuncture : patient shoul...

Venipuncture : patient should be seated or supine for at least 20 minutes before sampling. An arm with an inserted intravenous line should be avoided. The median cubi

Write Your Message!

Captcha
Free Assignment Quote

Assured A++ Grade

Get guaranteed satisfaction & time on delivery in every assignment order you paid with us! We ensure premium quality solution document along with free turntin report!

All rights reserved! Copyrights ©2019-2020 ExpertsMind IT Educational Pvt Ltd