The binomial system of nomenclature is the formal system by which all living species are classified

• It was initially developed by Carolus Linnaeus in 1735 and is updated periodically at a series of international congresses
  

According to the binomial system of nomenclature, every organism is designated a scientific name with two parts:

• Genus is written first and is capitalised, followed by species in lower case (e.g. Homo sapiens)
  

• Some species may occasionally have a sub-species designation (e.g. Homo sapiens sapiens – modern man)
  

The binomial system of nomenclature provides value because:

• It allows for the identification and comparison of organisms based on recognised characteristics
  

• It allows all organisms to be named according to a globally recognised scheme
  

• It can show how closely related organisms are, allowing for the prediction of evolutionary links
  

• It makes it easier to collect, sort and group information about organisms
  

Binomial Nomenclature