Binomial nomenclature

:For other topics using the name "binomial", see binomial (disambiguation).

Value of binomial nomenclature

The value of the binomial nomenclature system derives primarily from its economy and its widespread use:

~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~

• every species can be unambiguously identified with just two words;
• the same name is used all over the world, in all languages, avoiding difficulties of translation;

The procedures associated with establishing binomial nomenclature also tend to favor stability. In particular, when species are transferred between genera (as not uncommonly happens as a result of new knowledge), if possible the species descriptor is kept the same. Similarly if what were previously thought to be distinct species are demoted from species to a lower rank, former species names may be retained as infraspecific descriptors.

~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~