Binomial Nomenclature

The Scientific name game

Binomial = 2 names

Nomenclature = system or process

• All living things are assigned a two-word name in order to classify them.

• This is similar to us giving each child that is born a first and a last name.

• The Genus is similar to a last name. It is shared by several animals that are related in structure, genetics, or physical appearance.

• The second word of an organism’s name is it species name. This is similar to a person’s first name. It is unique to just the individual organism.

Ever hear of E.coli?

• It is the abbreviated form of the scientific name of Escherichia coliOrigin

< New Latin, named after T. Escherich (died 1911), German physician

What about T. rex?

• It is the abbreviated form of the scientific name of Tyrannosaurus rex

Origin

< Greek, named after “tyrant” and “lizard”, and the Latin word for “king”

How do we write the names?

Genus species

• Use italics or underline {if handwritten}

• Use an uppercase letter for the Genus name

• Use a lowercase letter for the species name

Why do they use Latin?

• It is universal and widely used in the science and medical fields

• This allows scientists from all over the world to communicate with each other

• It prevents misnomers {jellyfish aren’t fish}

How do they select a name?

• Read the ICZN newsletter to find out how new species are named.

• Think about what you are being asked to do for this assignment.

• Working in your groups of 4, place each of the 8 nornos on the table so that everyone can see them.

• Use the Portable Latin Dictionary of Adjectives to help you select an appropriate species name for each of the 8 norno species.

• Correctly format the new Genus and species name for each norno. Place this name on a name tag and place it near the species picture.

• One species name for each new norno will be “officially” selected by the ICZN.

Reflection Questions

•What did you learn about items that are in the same Genus taxon?

•How are species of organisms named?

•How is the Genus and species name written?