How to Write Scientific Name with Author
Writing scientific names with authors is an essential skill for anyone involved in the fields of biology, botany, and zoology. Properly citing scientific names, also known as binomial nomenclature, is crucial for maintaining the integrity and clarity of scientific communication. In this article, we will discuss the guidelines and best practices for writing scientific names with authors.
Understanding Binomial Nomenclature
Binomial nomenclature is a system of naming species developed by Carl Linnaeus in the 18th century. It consists of two parts: the genus and the species. The genus name is always capitalized, while the species name is lowercase. For example, in the scientific name “Homo sapiens,” “Homo” is the genus, and “sapiens” is the species.
Formatting Scientific Names with Authors
When writing scientific names with authors, it is important to follow a specific format. The general structure is as follows:
1. Genus name (capitalized)
2. Species name (lowercase)
3. Author(s) of the species name, written in italics
For example, the scientific name of the common house sparrow is “Passer domesticus Linnaeus.” Here, “Passer” is the genus, “domesticus” is the species, and “Linnaeus” is the author.
Multiple Authors
If there are multiple authors for a species name, they should be listed in the order they contributed to the discovery or description of the species. Separate the authors with commas, and use an ampersand (&) before the last author’s name. For example, the scientific name of the African elephant is “Loxodonta africana (Blumenbach, 1797).”
Formatting Subspecies
In some cases, a species may have subspecies, which are further divisions within the species. Subspecies names are written in lowercase and enclosed in parentheses. For example, the scientific name of the red wolf is “Canis rufus (Schreber, 1777) Linné.”
Formatting Hybrids
Hybrid species, which result from the crossbreeding of two different species, are named using a different format. The hybrid name is written as a combination of the two parent species names, separated by an “x.” For example, the scientific name of the liger, a hybrid of a lion and a tiger, is “Panthera leo × Panthera tigris.”
Conclusion
Writing scientific names with authors is a fundamental skill in the scientific community. By following the guidelines and best practices outlined in this article, researchers and students can ensure that their scientific names are accurate, clear, and consistent. Proper citation of scientific names is essential for maintaining the integrity of scientific communication and fostering collaboration among scientists worldwide.
