What is binomial nomenclature? Give the rules for binomial nomenclature.

1. A system of nomenclature of plants and animals in which the scientific name consists of two words or parts or epithets is called binomial nomenclature. 

2. This system of nomenclature was developed by Carl Linnaeus. He gave certain principles for this nomenclature in his book ‘Species Plantarum’. 

Rules of binomial nomenclature: 

1. The name of the organism is composed of two Latin or Greek words. 

2. Generic epithet is a simple noun which should come first and always begin with a capital letter. 

3. Specific epithet is the descriptive adjective which should come later and begin with a small letter. 

4. The generic and specific epithet must be underlined separately if hand written or in italics when printed. 

5. The generic as well as specific epithet should not have less than three letters and more than thirteen letters. 

6. Usually the name of the author who names a plant or animal is also written in full or abbreviated form after scientific name. e.g. Mangifera indica L. Where L stands for Linnaeus.