Scientific Names of Animals And Plants: Definitions, Complete Details

Edited By Irshad Anwar | Updated on Jul 02, 2025 06:00 PM IST

Scientific names, also known as binomial nomenclature, refer to a formal system of naming species of living things in biology. Scientific names help to know the name and use it universally across the globe for proper scientific communication. As per the ICBN (International Code of Botanical Nomenclature) and ICZN (International Code of Zoological Nomenclature), every plant and animal must have a unique scientific name that follows fixed rules like using two Latin words—one for genus and one for species.

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Binomial Nomenclature
Structure of Scientific Names
Principles of Naming (Binomial Nomenclature)
Rules of Binomial Nomenclature
Scientific Names of Animals
Scientific Names of Plants
Taxonomic Hierarchy
Uses of Scientific Names
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Scientific Names of Animals And Plants: Definitions, Complete Details

Such a name is in two parts: genus and species. For example, the grey "wolf—"Canis lupus." Scientific Names of Plants and Animals is a topic of the chapter The Living World in Biology. Scientific names provide a standardised way to name organisms, which helps in clear scientific communication. This article include Binomial Nomenclature, Rules of Binomial Nomenclature with some common examples of scientific names of plants and animals.

Binomial Nomenclature

Binomial nomenclature is a system of providing each species with a unique two-part Latinised name consisting of its genus and species epithet; for example, Homo sapiens for humans. It was devised by Carl Linnaeus in the 18th century.

The names for organisms, before Linnaeus, were generally long descriptive titles or regional common names and, as such, led to confusion and misidentifications. Linnaeus developed a hierarchical system of grouping the species based on their similarities to form a classification system that serves as the basis for modern taxonomy.

Structure of Scientific Names

Scientific names are binomial, consisting of two parts: the genus name capitalised, and the species epithet in small letters. When handwritten, it should be in italics or underlined. For example,

Homo sapiens—modern human

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(Genus: Homo, Species: sapiens)

Rosa indica—Indian rose

(Genus: Rosa, Species: indica)

Such a standardised form helps one to be clear and exact in the way of defining an organism and classifying it into a group, which allows easy study and research in the case of biological sciences through proper communication.

Principles of Naming (Binomial Nomenclature)

Latin is the language used for scientifically naming an organism. This tradition started during the Renaissance and Enlightenment periods, it was the language of communication in scholarship all across Europe. Its use continues today because Latin is a "dead" language, meaning it no longer changes and its meanings are fixed. Such stability ensures that scientific names remain consistent and universally understood among scientists worldwide, regardless of their native languages. There would be no confusion and accurate communication in both taxonomy and ecology and conservation biology while doing research, where a species is easily identified from its scientific name for classification purposes.

Rules of Binomial Nomenclature

Binomial Nomenclature is a system of naming organisms with two Latin names - one for genus and one for species. It follows the scientific rules of the international code, such as:

For Plants: ICBN – International Code of Botanical Nomenclature
For Animals: ICZN – International Code of Zoological Nomenclature

The rules are as follows:

The genus name is always capitalised, as, for example, in Canis for dogs.
The species epithet is written in lowercase, as, for example, lupus for wolves.
When printed, scientific names are usually italicised, as, for example, in Canis lupus.
The handwritten equivalent of italics is to underline the letters in Canis lupus, for example.
Always write the genus name accompanied by the species epithet. Together the two parts make the species' scientific name-for example, Canis lupus.
Scientific names are normally pronounced according to the rules of Latin pronunciation.

Scientific Names of Animals

These names are in Latin and follow a standard format of Genus + species. It helps to identify animals correctly all over the world. Given below are the scientific names of a few animals.

Common Name	Scientific Name
African Elephant	Loxodonta africana
Bengal Tiger	Panthera tigris tigris
Blue Whale	Balaenoptera musculus
Snow Leopard	Panthera uncia
Giant Panda	Ailuropoda melanoleuca
Gray Wolf	Canis lupus
Chimpanzee	Pan troglodytes
King Cobra	Ophiophagus hannah
African Lion	Panthera leo
Koala	Phascolarctos cinereus
Wild boar	Sus scrofa
Wolf	Canis lupus
Zebra	Equus quagga
Earthworm	Lumbricus terrestris
Grasshopper	Acrida conica
Honeybee	Apis indica
Pigeon	Columba livia
Snake	Naja naja
Spider	Latrodectus mactans
Starfish	Asterias rubens

Scientific Names of Plants

These names are in Latin and follow a standard format of Genus + species. It helps to identify plants correctly all over the world. Given below are the scientific names of some plants

Common Name	Scientific Name
Rose	Rosa indica
Tulip	Tulipa gesneriana
Daffodil	Narcissus pseudonarcissus
Marigold	Tagetes erecta
Lavender	Lavandula angustifolia
Daisy	Bellis perennis
Orchid	Phalaenopsis amabilis
Lily	Lilium candidum
Bamboo	Bambusa vulgaris
Mint	Mentha arvensis

Taxonomic Hierarchy

The taxonomic hierarchy is a system of arranging organisms in categories of increasingly specific commonalities and evolutionary relationships.

Domain: This is the highest rank, based on cell type.

There are three recognised domains: Bacteria, Archaea, and Eukarya. Domain was introduced as the broadest 'branch of life".

Kingdom: One level below the domain, organisms are grouped by general cell structure and physiology.

Certain commonly recognised kingdoms house, for example: Animalia (animals), Plantae (plants), and Fungi.

Phylum: Going one step down, each kingdom is divided into phyla.

Further classification of organisms with higher-order similarities, but with the same body plan or structure, is done here. For example, the animal kingdom has Chordata as a phylum that includes vertebrates.

Class: Groups organisms in a phylum with more specific features.

Classes further divide phyla and group organisms based on even more specific characteristics than those of a phylum. Mammalia Class in the Chordata phylum are mammals.

Order: The next higher level is that of order.

It is more specifically a group of related organisms that share further characteristics, so Carnivora is part of the class Mammalia.

Family: Orders are divided into families.

A family includes a group of closely related genera. Felidae, for example, is the cat family and belongs to the order Carnivora.

Genus: A group of animals or plants that are very similar.

A group of species that are closely related and share a common ancestor. For example, Panthera (includes lion, tiger).

Species: It is the basic unit of classification.

A group of living things that can mate and have babies. For example, Panthera leo (lion).

Uses of Scientific Names

Scientific names therefore provide a common means of identifying and referring to organisms across languages and countries, archiving the ambiguity that may arise due to common usage by which names can vary greatly. Due to this, workers who come from different language backgrounds can correctly relate and understand, without any miscomprehension, as to which species is under discourse. Due to this precision, in biological studies where precision is extremely crucial, scientific names allow a researcher to make precise referrals and comparisons of species, thus promoting international cooperation in the development of science in taxonomy, ecology, as well as conservation biology.

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Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. Why are scientific names important in biology?

Scientific names provide a standardised system globally recognised and understood, ensuring clarity and precision in communication, essential for accurate species identification, classification, and research.

2. How are scientific names created for new species?

New species names are proposed by researchers following guidelines set by the International Code of Nomenclature for algae, fungi, and plants (ICN) or the International Code of Zoological Nomenclature (ICZN), based on thorough description and comparison with existing species.

3. What is the pattern of scientific names?

Scientific names should be written in italics (or underlined if handwritten), with the genus capitalised and the species epithet in lowercase, e.g., Canis lupus for the grey wolf.

4. How do scientific names help in identifying species?

Scientific names are unique to each species and reflect evolutionary relationships. They provide a precise label for species, facilitating accurate identification and communication among scientists worldwide.

5. Who decides the scientific names of organisms?

Scientific names are proposed by taxonomists or researchers studying the species, following established rules and guidelines of the relevant nomenclatural codes (ICN or ICZN), and ratified by the scientific community through peer-review processes.

6. What is the principle of scientific name?

Scientific names are usually in Latin and are the same all over the world for clear identification.

7. Who developed the binomial nomenclature system?

The binomial nomenclature system was developed by Carl Linnaeus, a Swedish botanist, in the 18th century. Linnaeus is often referred to as the "Father of Taxonomy" due to his significant contributions to the field of biological classification.

8. What is the significance of the International Code of Phylogenetic Nomenclature (PhyloCode)?

The PhyloCode is an alternative system for naming organisms based on evolutionary relationships rather than the traditional Linnaean hierarchy. It aims to create a more stable and phylogenetically informative naming system. While not yet widely adopted, understanding the PhyloCode is important for grasping current debates in biological classification and the potential future directions of scientific naming.

9. What language are scientific names typically derived from?

Scientific names are typically derived from Latin or Ancient Greek. These classical languages were chosen because they are considered "dead" languages, meaning they don't change over time. This stability ensures that scientific names remain consistent and universally understood across different cultures and time periods.

10. What is the concept of a nomen conservandum in scientific naming?

A nomen conservandum (plural: nomina conservanda) is a scientific name that has been officially preserved despite not being the oldest available name for a taxon. This conservation is done to maintain nomenclatural stability when a widely used younger name would otherwise be replaced by a little-known older name. The process of conserving names involves formal proposals and decisions by nomenclature committees.

11. What is the significance of nomina nuda in scientific naming?

A nomen nudum (plural: nomina nuda) is a scientific name that has been published without an adequate description or definition to make it valid under the relevant nomenclature code. These names are not considered officially recognized and cannot be used as valid scientific names. Understanding nomina nuda is important for maintaining the integrity of scientific nomenclature and avoiding confusion in the literature.

12. How do scientific names reflect the concept of polyphyletic groups?

Polyphyletic groups are those that include members from different evolutionary lineages. As our understanding of evolutionary relationships improves, scientific names may be revised to eliminate polyphyletic groups. This often involves splitting genera or moving species to different genera to better reflect their true evolutionary relationships.

13. How do scientific names accommodate changes in our understanding of species boundaries?

As new data (especially genetic information) becomes available, our understanding of species boundaries may change. This can lead to the splitting of one species into several, or the merging of multiple species into one. Scientific names are adjusted accordingly, with new names being created for split species or synonyms being established for merged species. This process ensures that scientific names accurately reflect our current understanding of biodiversity.

14. Why is the genus name capitalized in scientific names?

The genus name is capitalized to distinguish it from the specific epithet and to emphasize its hierarchical importance in classification. This convention helps scientists quickly identify the broader group (genus) to which a species belongs, facilitating easier recognition and organization of related organisms.

15. What is the International Code of Nomenclature?

The International Code of Nomenclature is a set of rules and recommendations that govern the naming of organisms. There are separate codes for animals (ICZN), plants and fungi (ICN), and bacteria (ICNP). These codes ensure consistency and stability in naming across the scientific community.

16. What is the concept of priority in scientific naming?

The principle of priority in scientific naming states that the oldest validly published name for a taxon is the correct one. This rule helps maintain stability in nomenclature by preventing arbitrary name changes. However, there are exceptions to this rule when a widely used younger name is conserved for the sake of nomenclatural stability.

17. What is a type specimen, and why is it important in scientific naming?

A type specimen is the single specimen or illustration designated as the name-bearing type of a species or subspecies when it was formally described. It serves as the reference point for the application of the scientific name and is crucial for resolving taxonomic disputes or clarifying species boundaries in future research.

18. How do scientific names accommodate newly discovered species?

When a new species is discovered, researchers assign it a unique binomial name following the rules of the appropriate nomenclature code. The name is typically published in a peer-reviewed scientific journal along with a detailed description of the organism. This process ensures that the new species is formally recognized and can be referenced by the scientific community.

19. What is the significance of tautonyms in zoological nomenclature?

Tautonyms are scientific names where the genus and specific epithet are identical, such as Gorilla gorilla (gorilla) or Bison bison (American bison). They are allowed in zoological nomenclature but not in botanical nomenclature. Tautonyms often reflect historical naming practices or emphasize the typical representative of a genus.

20. What is the significance of the term "cf." in scientific names?

The abbreviation "cf." (Latin for "confer" or "compare") is used in scientific names when a specimen is thought to be similar to a known species but cannot be definitively identified. For example, "Quercus cf. rubra" suggests that the specimen is similar to Quercus rubra (red oak) but may not be an exact match. This convention is useful when dealing with incomplete specimens or when species boundaries are unclear.

21. How do scientific names reflect the concept of species complexes?

Species complexes are groups of closely related species that are difficult to distinguish. Scientific names can reflect this by using terms like "sensu lato" (in the broad sense) or "sensu stricto" (in the strict sense). For example, "Drosophila melanogaster sensu lato" might refer to the entire species complex, while "Drosophila melanogaster sensu stricto" refers specifically to the narrowly defined species.

22. How do scientific names accommodate changes in genus classification?

When a species is moved to a different genus due to new research or reclassification, its specific epithet usually remains the same, but the genus name changes. The author of the original name is then placed in parentheses, followed by the author who made the new combination. For example, if Species alba was moved from Genus A to Genus B, it might become Genus B alba (Original Author) New Author.

23. What is the role of type localities in scientific naming?

A type locality is the geographical location where the type specimen of a species was collected. It's an important reference point for understanding the original context of a species description. Type localities are crucial for resolving taxonomic disputes, especially when species boundaries are unclear or when subspecies are being studied.

24. How do scientific names accommodate uncertainty in species identification?

When there is uncertainty in species identification, scientists may use various qualifiers in the scientific name. Besides "cf." (compare), other common qualifiers include "aff." (affinis, meaning "related to" or "similar to") and "sp." (species, when the exact species is unknown). For example, "Quercus aff. rubra" suggests a species related to but not identical to Quercus rubra.

25. What is the significance of the author's name in a scientific name?

The author's name, often included after the binomial name, refers to the person who first validly published the scientific name. It provides historical context and helps trace the origin of the name. In cases where a species has been reclassified, the original author's name may be placed in parentheses, followed by the name of the person who made the new combination.

26. What is the significance of the term "sp. nov." in scientific names?

The term "sp. nov." (species nova) is used when describing a new species. It indicates that the species is newly discovered or newly recognized as distinct from previously known species. For example, "Genus species sp. nov." would be used in the initial publication describing a new species. This convention helps researchers quickly identify newly described taxa in the scientific literature.

27. How do scientific names accommodate hybridization between species?

When two species hybridize, the resulting offspring can be given a scientific name that combines elements of both parent species. This is often done by using an "x" between the parent species names (e.g., Platanus x acerifolia for the London plane tree, a hybrid between P. occidentalis and P. orientalis). This naming convention helps scientists track and study hybrid populations.

28. What is the role of synonyms in scientific naming?

Synonyms in scientific naming are different scientific names that refer to the same taxon. They often arise due to independent descriptions of the same species or taxonomic revisions. Understanding synonyms is crucial for tracing the history of a species' classification and ensuring that all relevant information about a taxon is considered, even if it was published under different names.

29. What are the two parts of a binomial scientific name?

A binomial scientific name consists of two parts: the genus name and the specific epithet. The genus name is always capitalized and written first, while the specific epithet follows and is written in lowercase. Together, these two parts uniquely identify a species.

30. How do scientific names reflect the concept of subspecies?

Subspecies are denoted in scientific names by adding a third part to the binomial name. For example, Panthera leo persica refers to the Asiatic lion, a subspecies of the lion (Panthera leo). This trinomial nomenclature allows for more precise classification of variations within a species while maintaining the hierarchical structure of the naming system.

31. How do scientific names accommodate the concept of ring species?

Ring species present a challenge to traditional species concepts, as they involve a chain of interbreeding populations where end members are reproductively isolated. Scientific names for ring species often maintain the binomial system for practical purposes, but additional descriptors or notes are usually provided to explain the complex population structure. This situation highlights the limitations of the binomial system in capturing all aspects of biological diversity.

32. How do scientific names reflect the concept of form taxa in paleontology?

Form taxa are taxonomic groups used in paleontology for fossils that cannot be assigned to biological species with certainty. These may be parts of organisms (like leaves or teeth) that cannot be definitively linked to a complete organism. Scientific names for form taxa follow the same binomial system but are understood to represent morphological types rather than biological species. This convention allows paleontologists to classify and discuss fossil remains even when their exact taxonomic placement is uncertain.

33. How do scientific names accommodate the concept of cryptic species?

Cryptic species are morphologically similar or identical organisms that are actually distinct species. When cryptic species are discovered, new scientific names are assigned to distinguish them. This often involves detailed genetic or behavioral studies to justify the separation. The naming of cryptic species highlights the importance of integrating multiple lines of evidence in modern taxonomy.

34. What is the difference between a taxon and a taxonomic category?

A taxon is a specific group of organisms, while a taxonomic category is a level in the hierarchical classification system. For example, "Felis catus" (domestic cat) is a taxon, while "species" is a taxonomic category. Taxonomic categories include kingdom, phylum, class, order, family, genus, and species.

35. What is the difference between a holotype and a paratype in scientific naming?

A holotype is the single specimen designated as the name-bearing type of a species or subspecies when it was formally described. It serves as the primary reference for the species. Paratypes are additional specimens used in the original description but are not the primary name-bearing type. They provide information about variation within the species and serve as backup references if the holotype is lost or damaged.

36. How does the naming system for bacteria differ from that of plants and animals?

While bacteria follow the binomial nomenclature system, they have an additional naming convention. Bacterial names often include a third part that describes a subspecies or strain. For example, "Escherichia coli O157:H7" includes information about the specific strain. Additionally, bacterial nomenclature is governed by its own code (ICNP) due to unique challenges in bacterial taxonomy.

37. How do scientific names help in understanding the diversity of life on Earth?

Scientific names provide a standardized system for cataloging and organizing the vast diversity of life on Earth. By using a hierarchical classification system, scientific names reflect evolutionary relationships and help scientists understand the connections between different organisms. This system allows researchers to estimate the total number of species, track biodiversity changes, and explore the complexities of ecosystems.

38. How do scientific names reflect changes in our understanding of evolutionary relationships?

As our understanding of evolutionary relationships evolves through new research and genetic studies, scientific names may be revised to better reflect these relationships. Species may be moved to different genera, or genera may be split or merged. These changes in scientific names reflect our growing knowledge of the tree of life and help maintain an accurate classification system.

39. What is the purpose of scientific names for organisms?

Scientific names serve as a universal language for identifying organisms. They provide a standardized system that allows scientists worldwide to communicate about species without confusion, regardless of local common names or languages. This system ensures clarity and precision in scientific research, taxonomy, and biodiversity studies.

40. How does the binomial system differ from using common names for organisms?

The binomial system provides a standardized, globally recognized method for naming organisms, while common names can vary by region, language, or culture. Scientific names are unique to each species, whereas common names may refer to multiple species or change over time. This standardization allows for precise communication in scientific contexts.

41. How do scientific names help in understanding evolutionary relationships?

Scientific names often reflect evolutionary relationships between organisms. Species within the same genus share a common ancestor and similar characteristics. By grouping related species under the same genus name, the binomial system provides insights into the evolutionary history and relatedness of different organisms.

42. Why are scientific names written in italics or underlined?

Scientific names are written in italics or underlined to distinguish them from regular text and emphasize their special status as formal, standardized names. This convention helps readers quickly identify scientific names in written works and avoids confusion with common names or other terms.

43. Can scientific names change over time?

Yes, scientific names can change over time due to new discoveries, reclassifications, or corrections in taxonomy. When this happens, the old name becomes a synonym, and the new name is adopted as the accepted scientific name. This process ensures that classification remains accurate and up-to-date with current scientific knowledge.

44. How do scientific names help in biodiversity conservation efforts?

Scientific names play a crucial role in biodiversity conservation by providing a standardized system for identifying and cataloging species. This allows researchers and conservationists to accurately track population changes, assess extinction risks, and develop targeted conservation strategies. The precision of scientific names is essential for legal protection of endangered species and international conservation agreements.

45. How do scientific names help in understanding the geographical distribution of species?

Scientific names often include information about a species' geographical origin or distribution. For example, the specific epithet might reference a location (e.g., "californica" for California). This naming convention provides valuable insights into a species' native range and can help track species migrations or invasions over time.

46. What is the significance of the term "incertae sedis" in scientific classification?

The term "incertae sedis" (Latin for "of uncertain placement") is used in taxonomy to indicate that the position of a taxon in the classification system is uncertain or disputed. This term is often used for fossils or organisms that don't fit neatly into established groups. It reflects the ongoing nature of scientific classification and the challenges in placing some organisms within the current taxonomic framework.

47. What is the concept of a basionym in botanical nomenclature?

In botanical nomenclature, a basionym is the original name on which a new combination or name at new rank is based. When a plant is moved to a different genus or rank, its specific epithet is often retained, and the original name becomes the basionym. Understanding basionyms is crucial for tracing the nomenclatural history of plant taxa and ensuring proper attribution in taxonomic work.

48. What is the role of vernacular names in scientific literature?

While scientific names are the standard for formal communication, vernacular (common) names often appear alongside them in scientific literature. Vernacular names can help make scientific work more accessible to non-specialists and provide cultural context. However, they are always secondary to scientific names, which remain the primary means of precise identification in scientific contexts.

49. How do scientific names reflect changes in our understanding of higher taxonomic ranks?

As phylogenetic studies reveal new information about evolutionary relationships, higher taxonomic ranks (like families or orders) may be revised. This can result in changes to the placement of genera within these higher ranks. While the binomial names of species typically remain stable, their position within the larger classification system may shift. These changes are reflected in updated taxonomic databases and publications.

50. What is the significance of the term "sensu" in scientific names?

The term "sensu" (Latin for "in the sense of") is used to specify a particular usage or interpretation of a scientific name. For example, "Genus species sensu Smith (1900)" indicates that the name is being used as defined by Smith in 1900, which may differ from other interpretations. This convention is important for clarity when the concept of a taxon has changed over time or is disputed among researchers.

51. What is the role of type series in scientific naming?

A type series consists of all the specimens used by an author to describe a new