Question

Scientific names are written

• A. Capitalized but not printed distinctively, italicized, or underlined
• B. Italicized or underlined
• C. Capitalized and italicized or underlined
• D. Italicized or underlined with the first word capitalized

Answer 1

The correct option is D

Italicized or underlined with the first word capitalized

There are some important rules that must be followed to keep all binomial names standardised:

1. The first letter of the name of the genus should always be capitalised.

2. Species name should not be capitalised.

3. When written, the genus and species names should always be underlined separately; when printed it should be italicised. e.g., Pseudomonas syringae

4. The name or abbreviated name of the scientist describing the species first, should be written after the binomial name. The name is not italicised. e.g., Pseudomonas syringae van Hall

5. The year in which the organism was described should be written after the name of the author or scientist. e.g., Pseudomonas syringae van Hall 1902