Binomial nomenclature

From Wild India

In biology, binomial nomenclature refers to the formal method of naming species. As the word 'binomial' suggests, the scientific name of a species is formed by the combination of two terms: the genus name and the species descriptor. Although the fine detail will differ, there are certain aspects which are universally adopted:

• Scientific names are usually printed in italics, e.g. Homo sapiens. When handwritten they should be underlined.
• The first term (genus name / generic name) is always capitalized, while the specific descriptor ("specific name" / "specific epithet") will not be. For example: Canis lupus or Felis silvestris.
• The scientific name should be written in full when it is first used or when several species from the same genus are being listed or discussed in the same paper or report. It may then be abbreviated by just using an initial for the genus; for example Canis lupus becomes C. lupus. In rare cases this abbreviation form has spread to more general use—for example the bacterium, Escherichia coli, is often referred to as just E. coli.
• The abbreviation "sp." (or "spec.") is used when the actual specific name is not known: for example Canis sp. denotes "a species of the genus Canis". The abbreviation "spp." (plural) indicates "several unknown species".