Question

In the Latin name Salix nigra , the first name is the ___ and second is the ___ .

• A. genus, species
• B. family, genus
• C. common name, scientific name
• D. species, genus

Answer 1

The correct option is A

genus, species

The correct option is A:

Explanation of the correct option:

Option A:

1. In the binomial system of nomenclature, the first name represents the genus and the second name represents the species.
2. The whole name is written in italics, and the first letter of the genus is always capitalized.
3. Genus is a rank under taxonomy that is used in biological classification that lies above species and below the family.
4. It includes organisms with similar characteristics and body differentiation.
5. While Species is a rank under taxonomy that is used in biological classification that lies at the lowest level below genus.
6. It includes a group of organisms that are capable of interbreeding.
7. Therefore Salix in Salix nigra represents genus while nigra represents species.

Explanation of the incorrect option:

Option B:

The name of the family is not included in binomial nomenclature.

Option C:

The common name and scientific names are also not included in binomial nomenclature.

Option D:

1. The name of the genus is written before the name of the species.
2. Moreover, the first letter of the genus is always capitalized.

Final answer: In the Latin name Salix nigra, the first name is the genus, and the second is the species.