Scientific names, also called taxonomic names, are unique identifiers used globally to refer to specific organisms. These systematic names are necessary because common names vary dramatically across regions and languages, leading to confusion. For instance, “robin” refers to two different bird species on separate continents, but scientific names ensure clarity. This universal system relies on a consistent linguistic framework, prompting the question of whether these names are truly in Latin.
Latinized, Not Strictly Latin
Scientific names are not strictly Classical Latin; they are Latinized in their grammatical structure. Words are given Latin endings and treated according to Latin grammatical rules, regardless of their original source. Latin was adopted because it functioned as the language of scholarship and science across Europe for centuries.
The primary advantage of using Latin is that it is a “dead language,” meaning it does not evolve or change its meaning over time, ensuring the stability of the names. While some names derive directly from Latin, many others are borrowed from Ancient Greek and converted into a Latin form. Other origins include geographical locations, mythological figures, or names honoring scientists (eponyms). For example, a genus might be named Triturus after the Greek god Triton, but the name receives a Latin ending to fit the established grammatical framework.
The Universal System of Naming
The standardized method for assigning these names is called binomial nomenclature, or the two-name naming system. This system was formalized in the 18th century by the Swedish naturalist Carl Linnaeus. He published his foundational works, Species Plantarum (1753) and Systema Naturae (1758), simplifying cumbersome, multi-word descriptive names into a concise, two-part label.
The application of this system is governed by international codes, which mandate that every species must have a unique scientific name recognized worldwide. This universality is maintained by strict formatting rules. The entire two-part name must always be written in italics to signal its Latinized nature, or underlined if handwritten. These rules ensure that a researcher in any country can immediately and unambiguously identify the organism being discussed.
Components of a Scientific Name
A scientific name is composed of two distinct parts that work together to identify the species. The first part is the Genus name, a broader grouping of closely related species. The Genus name is always capitalized, such as Homo in the name for modern humans.
The second part is the specific epithet, which is never capitalized and serves as the descriptive term distinguishing the species within its genus. The Genus and the specific epithet together form the complete species name, such as Homo sapiens. The specific epithet is meaningless by itself; it requires the Genus Homo to define the species.
An optional, but frequently included, third component is the Authority, which is the name of the person who first formally described the species, sometimes followed by the year of publication. For instance, the Authority for many species is simply represented by “L.” for Linnaeus.