How do binomial or 2 part names compare with early versions of scientific names?
shorter
longer
descriptive
in English
my answer is descriptive
I just took the test the answer is "shorter"
I also know I am saying this 6 years too late.
Binomial or two-part names are a more standardized way of naming species in the scientific classification system compared to early versions of scientific names. The early versions of scientific names were often longer and more descriptive, sometimes even in sentences or phrases. They would often include multiple words in Latin to describe the appearance, characteristics, or habitat of the species.
On the other hand, binomial names consist of two parts: the genus name and the species name. The genus name is a broader category that groups related species together, while the species name is specific to each individual species. These names are standardized and follow a specific format called binomial nomenclature, which was introduced by Carl Linnaeus in the 18th century.
The advantage of binomial names is that they are shorter and more concise, making communication between scientists easier and more efficient. Additionally, the use of Latin or Latinized words in binomial names allows researchers from different countries and backgrounds to understand and use the same scientific names for species.
To determine whether binomial or two-part names are more descriptive compared to early versions of scientific names, it's important to note that the level of description can vary. Both systems have the potential to be descriptive, but binomial names tend to be more focused on providing information about the relationship between different species within a genus, rather than providing a lengthy description of the individual species. The descriptive information is usually derived from Latin or Greek roots that convey specific characteristics or features of the species.
It's worth mentioning that scientific names, whether binomial or early versions, are generally not in English. Latin was historically used due to its widespread use in scientific communication during the time of Linnaeus, and it continues to be used today to maintain consistency and universality in scientific naming.