Question

What is binomial nomenclature? Explain it with a suitable example. Give its advantages.

Answer 1

• Binomial nomenclature is a system of providing distinct proper scientific names to organisms.
• Each name thus consists of two words - generic and specific.
• It was developed by Carolus Linnaeus.
• The scientific names are Latinised and printed in italics.
• Eg- Mangifera indica is the scientific name for mango where Mangifera represents genus while indica is the species name.
• Advantages:-

1) Organisms can be easily categorised for a better understanding of their characteristic features.

2) Scientific names are standardised and are universally accepted.

3) Names of each organism is unique and thus it avoids confusion.

4) It helps to understand the similarities and differences between the species belonging to the same genus.