binomial nomenclature

Question

In the binomial name Panthera leo, what does the term 'leo' represent?

RankGuru · Accepted Answer

1. **Binomial Nomenclature**: Introduced by Carolus Linnaeus, it gives every organism a two-part scientific name.
2. **Structure**:
   - The first word is the **Generic name** (the Genus).
   - The second word is the **Specific epithet** (identifying the species within the genus).
3. **Example**: In *Panthera leo* (the lion):
   - *Panthera* is the genus name.
   - ***leo*** is the specific epithet.
4. **Rules**: The genus name starts with a capital letter, while the specific epithet starts with a small letter. Both are printed in italics.

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binomial nomenclature

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