Binomial Nomenclature Worksheet

Binomial Nomenclature

Read each question carefully and provide your best answer. Refer to your knowledge of binomial nomenclature and the Linnaean classification system.

1. Which of the following is the correct way to write the scientific name for the domestic cat?

2. What two taxonomic ranks are used in binomial nomenclature?

3. The first part of a scientific name, the genus, is always capitalized, while the second part, the species epithet, is always  .

4. Scientific names are typically written in   to distinguish them from surrounding text.

5. The system of binomial nomenclature was introduced by Carolus Linnaeus in the   century.

6. Binomial nomenclature ensures that each species has a unique, universally recognized scientific name.

7. Common names are preferred over scientific names in scientific publications due to their simplicity.

8. Explain the significance of using Latin or Latinized Greek in binomial nomenclature.

9. Discuss one advantage and one disadvantage of the Linnaean classification system.

Use the words below to complete the sentences.

10. Each level of classification in the Linnaean system is called a  .

11. The Linnaean system is a   of classification, with broader categories at the top and more specific ones at the bottom.

12. In a scientific name, the second word is the species  .