How are scientific names assigned to newly discovered species, and what system is used?

Sourav PanNovember 8, 2024

Answered

Scientific names for newly discovered species are assigned through a structured process governed by established international codes. The primary system used for naming animal species is the International Code of Zoological Nomenclature (ICZN), while plants, fungi, and algae follow the International Code of Nomenclature for algae, fungi, and plants (ICN).

Process of Assigning Scientific Names

1. Uniqueness: The first requirement is that the name must be unique. The combination of the genus name and species name cannot already exist for any other species. This ensures that each scientific name refers to only one species globally.
2. Binomial Nomenclature: The naming follows the binomial nomenclature system, which consists of two parts:
   • Genus Name: The first part, capitalized (e.g., Homo).
   • Species Name: The second part, in lowercase (e.g., sapiens). Both parts are italicized when typed and underlined when handwritten.
3. Guidelines and Inspiration: Taxonomists often draw inspiration from various aspects of the species, such as its appearance, behavior, or habitat. Names can also reflect geographical locations or notable characteristics. However, names must adhere to certain guidelines, such as avoiding offensive terms and not naming a species after oneself.
4. Consultation and Verification: Before finalizing a name, researchers typically check existing databases and literature to ensure that their proposed name is not already in use. This step often involves informal searches or consulting taxonomic databases.
5. Publication: Once a name is decided upon, it must be published in a recognized scientific journal along with a description of the species. This publication serves as an official record and allows other scientists to review and validate the naming.
6. Adherence to Codes: The naming process is regulated by the ICZN for animals and the ICN for plants. These codes provide detailed rules on how names should be constructed, how to resolve conflicts between names, and how to cite them in scientific literature