Question

It's easier to say "cat" than Felis catus. What is the key advantage of using the Latin binomial in this case?

A. There are many cat species, but Felis catus specifically identifies the domestic cat and can be understood by scientists worldwide.
B. The term cat is too specific. Felis catus is a broader category that can be used to describe any of several closely related species.
C. It sounds more scientific to use Latin names.
D. Felis catus is more easily understood by the general public.

Answer 1

The advantage of using the Latin binomial 'Felis catus' is that it precisely identifies the domestic cat and is universally understood by scientists, following the binomial nomenclature system created by Linnaeus.

Step-by-step explanation:

The key advantage of using the Latin binomial Felis catus instead of the common name "cat" is A. There are many cat species, but Felis catus specifically identifies the domestic cat and can be understood by scientists worldwide. This universal naming system, known as binomial nomenclature, was developed by Carolus Linnaeus and provides a unique and precise way to name species using a two-part Latin name that consists of the genus name and the species name. It eliminates confusion that might be caused by regional common names and ensures clear communication among scientists across the world about a specific organism. The genus name is always capitalized, while the specific epithet or species name is lowercase, and both are generally italicized when printed, as seen with Canis lupus, the scientific name for the wolf.