2.1.3—Classification of organisms
- Syllabus
- First assessment 2026
- Objective
- 2.1.3
- Level
- HL
Write a Binomial Name Correctly
Binomial nomenclature gives each species two words: capitalized genus, lower-case specific name, italicized in print.
The shared format avoids ambiguity from local common names and lets scientists compare organisms consistently.
Homo sapiens: Homo is the genus and sapiens the specific name.
Homo sapiens; only genus is capitalized.
Do not capitalize both words.