Nature of Science:
5.3.NOS: Cooperation and collaboration between groups of scientists- scientists use the binomial system to identify a species rather than the many different local names. Objectives:
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The binomial system of nomenclature is the formal system by which all living species are classified (taxonomy)
- It was initially developed by a Swedish botanist named Carolus Linnaeus in 1735
- It is periodically assessed and updated at a series of international congresses which occur every 4 years
The binomial system is important because it allows people throughout the world to communicate unambiguously about animal species. This works because there are sets of international rules about how to name animals and zoologists try to avoid naming the same thing more than once, though this does sometimes happen. These naming rules mean that every scientific name is unique.
For example, if bluegill sunfish are given the scientific name Lepomis macrochirus, no other animal species can be given the same name. So, if you are a Russian scientist studying relatives of sunfish and you want to discuss bluegill sunfish with a Canadian researcher, you both use the scientific name and know exactly what the other is talking about.
Understanding:
5.3.U1: The binomial system of names for species is universal among biologists and has been agreed and developed at a series of congresses.
Objective:
5.3.U1: The binomial system of names for species is universal among biologists and has been agreed and developed at a series of congresses.
Objective:
- Outline the role of botanical and zoological congresses in the naming of plants and animals.
The binomial system of nomenclature provides value because:
- It allows for the identification and comparison of organisms based on recognised characteristics
- It allows all organisms to be named according to a globally recognised scheme
- It can show how closely related organisms are, allowing for the prediction of evolutionary links
- It makes it easier to collect, sort and group information about organisms
Understanding:
5.3.U2: When species are discovered they are given scientific names using the binomial system.
Objectives:
5.3.U2: When species are discovered they are given scientific names using the binomial system.
Objectives:
- Define binomial nomenclature.
- State three rules of binomial nomenclature formatting.
According to the binomial system of nomenclature, every organism is designated a scientific name with two parts:
Writing conventions:
- Genus is written first and is capitalised (e.g. Homo)
- Species follows and is written in lower case (e.g. Homo sapiens)
- Some species may occasionally have a sub-species designation (e.g. Homo sapiens sapiens – modern man)
Writing conventions:
- When typing the scientific name, it should be presented in italics
- When hand writing the scientific name, it is customary to underline