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Difficulty: EasyPrinciples of Classification and Binomial Nomenclature

In biological classification, every species is assigned a universal two-part scientific name according to the principles of binomial nomenclature. Which of the following represents the correctly written scientific name for the African lion?

  1. *Panthera leo*Answer
  2. B
    *Panthera Leo*
  3. C
    *panthera leo*
  4. D
    *panthera Leo*

Answer

The scientific name formatted as *Panthera leo* is correct because the genus name (*Panthera*) is capitalized, the specific epithet (*leo*) is lowercase, and both words are italicized.
Under Linnaean rules of binomial nomenclature, a scientific name consists of two parts: the genus name (which must always begin with a capital letter) and the specific epithet (which must be written entirely in lowercase). Both terms are italicized when printed. Therefore, the formatting *Panthera leo* is correct.

Step-by-Step Solution

1
Identify the two components of the scientific name
The first term represents the Genus and the second term represents the Specific Epithet (species).
Binomial nomenclature uses a formal two-part naming convention established by Carl Linnaeus.
2
Apply Linnaean capitalization rules
The Genus name *Panthera* starts with a capital letter, while the species epithet *leo* begins with a lowercase letter.
Taxonomic convention strictly requires Genus names to be capitalized and species epithets to remain lowercase.
3
Apply typographical formatting rules
The full binomial name is written in italics.
Scientific names are Latinized terms that must be distinguished visually from surrounding text.

Key Concept

Binomial Nomenclature Capitalization and Formatting Rules
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Topics

Principles of Classification and Binomial Nomenclature

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