2.1.3—Classification of organisms

Syllabus
First assessment 2026
Objective
2.1.3
Level
SL

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.