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Binomial Classification

Key Stage 4

Meaning

Binomial Classification is a system used to name newly discovered species.

About the Binomial Classification System

When a new species is discovered it is first grouped with similar organisms with the same genus. For example if a new big cat were discovered its binomial classification would begin with Panthera. The genus is written with a capital letter.
The species name can be invented by the discoverer and is usually made to sound latin. Some scientists recently named a new species of spider Eriovixia gryffindori after they thought it looked like a prop from Harry Potter. The species name is written in lower case.
The Binomial Classification is usually underlined or written in italics.

References

AQA

Binomial classification system, page 310, GCSE Biology; Student Book, Collins, AQA
Binomial classification, pages 228-30, 234, GCSE Biology, Hodder, AQA
Binomial classification, pages 68, 73, GCSE Combined Science Trilogy 2, Hodder, AQA
Binomial system, page 104, GCSE Biology; The Revision Guide, CGP, AQA
Binomial system, page 249, GCSE Combined Science Trilogy; Biology, CGP, AQA
Binomial system, page 309, GCSE Biology, CGP, AQA
Binomial system, page 81, GCSE Combined Science; The Revision Guide, CGP, AQA

Edexcel

Binomial system, page 56, GCSE Combined Science, Pearson Edexcel
Binomial system, page 76, GCSE Biology, Pearson, Edexcel