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Difficulty: MediumPrinciples of Classification and Binomial Nomenclature

According to the rules of binomial nomenclature established by Carl Linnaeus, which of the following represents the correct scientific designation for the African baobab tree when printed in a biology textbook?

  1. *Adansonia digitata*Answer
  2. B
    *Adansonia Digitata*
  3. C
    Adansonia digitata
  4. D
    *digitata Adansonia*

Answer

*Adansonia digitata*
The correct answer strictly adheres to all Linnaean formatting rules: the generic name is capitalized, the specific epithet is lowercase, the genus precedes the species, and both words are italicized in printed text.

Step-by-Step Solution

1
Identify the structural order of Linnaean binomial nomenclature.
The genus name comes first, followed by the specific epithet (species name).
Binomial nomenclature uses a two-part naming system where the genus identifies the broader group and the species identifies the specific organism.
2
Apply capitalization rules to the binomial components.
The genus name ('Adansonia') must start with an uppercase letter, while the specific epithet ('digitata') must be entirely lowercase.
Standard botanical and zoological codes of nomenclature require genus capitalization and lowercase species epithets.
3
Apply typographical styling rules for printed text.
Both the genus and species names must be italicized.
Scientific names are Latin or Latinized terms and must be distinguished from surrounding text through italics in print or underlining in manuscript.

Key Concept

Rules of Linnaean Binomial Nomenclature
Estimated Time:1m 0s
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Topics

Principles of Classification and Binomial Nomenclature

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