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Difficulty: MediumPrinciples of Classification and Binomial Nomenclature

A biology student recorded four different representations for the scientific name of the housefly in a laboratory notebook. Which of the following options strictly adheres to the standard rules of Linnaean binomial nomenclature?

  1. *Musca domestica*Answer
  2. B
    *Musca Domestica*
  3. C
    *musca domestica*
  4. D
    *domestica Musca*

Answer

The format *Musca domestica*, where the genus name begins with a capital letter and the specific epithet is entirely in lowercase.
The correct answer properly applies Linnaean conventions by placing the genus name first with an initial capital letter (*Musca*), followed by the specific epithet entirely in lowercase (*domestica*), with both terms italicized.

Step-by-Step Solution

1
Identify the two components of a scientific name according to binomial nomenclature rules.
The first name represents the Genus (generic name) and the second name represents the species (specific epithet).
Binomial nomenclature assigns every organism a two-part Latinized scientific name.
2
Apply standard capitalization rules to both parts of the binomial name.
The Genus name must start with a capital letter (*Musca*), whereas the species epithet must be written entirely in lowercase (*domestica*).
Linnaean formatting conventions require proper capitalization to distinguish taxonomy levels.
3
Verify sequence and typographic style.
The genus name must precede the specific epithet, and both terms should be italicized when typed (or underlined separately when handwritten).
Italicization or underlining indicates foreign (Latin) scientific nomenclature.

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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