Explain why the binomial nomenclature system is considered more useful than using common names when classifying organisms.

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

Written & reviewed by James Millett — Biology (Imperial College London), PGCE Science (University of Cambridge).

A team of researchers in Brazil and a separate team in Japan are both studying the same species of freshwater fish. The Brazilian team refers to the fish by its local Portuguese common name, whilst the Japanese team uses an entirely different name. When their findings are published, neither team realises they have been studying the same species.

Model answer (4 marks)

Binomial nomenclature gives each species a single, universally accepted name, so scientists worldwide can identify the organism without confusion.

Common names differ between regions, languages and cultures; the same fish can have many different local names.

A binomial name consists of the genus and species epithet, which conveys information about the organism’s taxonomic and evolutionary relationships.

Because every species has a unique binomial, there is no ambiguity about which organism is being referred to, preventing the kind of misidentification seen in the Brazil–Japan example.

Examiner tips

  • Use the exact wording from the mark scheme – e.g. ‘single, universally agreed name’ and ‘unique binomial’.
  • Show the four points in separate sentences or numbered points to match the 4 marks.

Common mistakes

  • Using only common names or saying ‘scientists use Latin’ without explaining the benefits.
  • Failing to mention that the binomial gives taxonomic information or that it removes ambiguity.

Mark scheme (4 marks)

  1. Binomial nomenclature provides a single, universally agreed name for each species, understood by scientists worldwide
  2. Common names vary between regions, languages or cultures, meaning the same organism can have multiple different common names
  3. The binomial name consists of the genus name and species name (epithet), giving information about evolutionary / taxonomic relationships
  4. Each species has a unique binomial name, so there is no ambiguity about which organism is being referred to

Key terms in this question

binomial nomenclature

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