科学家给动物起名字英文版

Title: The Art of Naming Animals: A Guide by Scientists

Introduction:

Naming animals is not just a random process; it is a careful and meticulous task undertaken by scientists. Scientific names, also known as binomial nomenclature, follow a specific set of rules and guidelines. This article will explore the principles behind naming animals and provide examples of how scientists name different species.

I. Binomial Nomenclature:

1. Definition and Purpose:

Scientific names are composed of two parts: the genus and the species. The purpose of binomial nomenclature is to provide each species with a unique and universally accepted name, facilitating effective communication among scientists.

2. Latin or Greek Origin:

Historically, scientific names were primarily based on Latin or Greek words. This was due to the widespread use of Latin as the language of scientific communication and the classical influence on biological studies.

3. Descriptive or Honorary Names:

Scientific names can be either descriptive or honorary. Descriptive names describe certain characteristics of the species, while honorary names are given to honor a specific person or place related to the species.

II. Principles and Guidelines for Naming Animals:

1. Principle of Priority:

The principle of priority states that the first validly published name should be used, as long as it follows the rules of nomenclature. In case of conflicts, older names take precedence over newer ones.

2. Principle of Universality:

Scientific names should be universally understandable to scientists worldwide, regardless of their native language. This requires adherence to established rules and guidelines.

3. Avoiding Ambiguity:

Scientific names should be unambiguous, with each name representing only one taxonomic entity. This helps prevent confusion and ensures clarity in scientific discussions and publications.

4. Importance of Type Specimens:

Each new species name is typically associated with a type specimen, a physical reference that serves as an anchor for the species. The type specimen should be adequately described and deposited in a recognized museum or institution.

III. Examples of Naming Animals:

1. Descriptive Names:

a. Homo sapiens: The scientific name for humans, where "Homo" refers to the genus and "sapiens" means "wise" in Latin, reflecting the intelligence of our species.

b. Canis lupus: The scientific name for gray wolves, with "Canis" representing the genus and "lupus" meaning "wolf" in Latin.

2. Honorary Names:

a. Pongo pygmaeus: The scientific name for the Bornean orangutan. "Pongo" is derived from a Malayan word meaning "ape" while "pygmaeus" refers to the small size of this orangutan species.

b. Chrysolophus amherstiae: The scientific name for the Lady Amherst's pheasant, named in honor of Sarah Amherst, the wife of an English governorgeneral of India.

Conclusion:

Naming animals in the scientific community is a careful process that ensures uniqueness, clarity, and effective communication. By following the principles of binomial nomenclature and adhering to established guidelines, scientists provide each species with a distinct name that reflects its characteristics or honors a relevant person or place. The systematic naming of animals not only aids in scientific research but also contributes to the preservation and understanding of our diverse natural world.