# Explain why the binomial naming system is used by scientists worldwide when classifying organisms, rather than using common names.

> OCR A-Level Biology A (H420) — 4.3 Classification and evolution · Explain · 4 marks

> A species of flowering plant native to the UK is known locally as 'bluebell', but the same common name is used for an entirely different species in Scotland. In Spain, a different common name is used for the same plant entirely. Scientists use the binomial name Hyacinthoides non-scripta when referring to this organism in published research.

## Mark scheme (4 marks)

1. The binomial system provides a universal/internationally agreed name for each species
2. Common names vary between regions, languages or countries, causing confusion about which organism is being referred to
3. The binomial system uniquely identifies each species, with each species having only one accepted binomial name
4. The binomial name reflects the genus of the organism, indicating evolutionary / taxonomic relationships between closely related species

## Key terms

- [binomial](https://www.gradenine.co.uk/glossary/binomial)

## Related

- [Revision notes for OCR A-Level Biology A (H420)](https://www.gradenine.co.uk/learn)
- [How to answer "Explain" questions](https://www.gradenine.co.uk/tools/command-word-cheatsheet)
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Source: [GradeNine](https://www.gradenine.co.uk/q/explain-why-the-binomial-naming-system-16258bfe) · Published by Druglandscape Ltd.