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→Binomial Convention for Naming Species
==Binomial Convention for Naming Species==
==Binomial Convention for Naming Species==
In scientific classification, a species is assigned a two-part name, treated as [[Latin]]. The genus is listed first (with its leading letter capitalized), followed by a second term. For example, gray wolves belong to the species ''Canis lupus'', coyotes to ''Canis latrans'', golden jackals to ''Canis aureus'', etc.; and all of these belong to the genus ''Canis'' (which also contains many other species). The name of the species is the whole binomial, not just the second term (which may be called specific epithet for animals, or specific name for animals).
In scientific classification, a species is assigned a two-part name, treated as [[Latin]]. The genus is listed first (with its leading letter capitalized), followed by a second term. For example, [[gray wolves]] belong to the species ''Canis lupus'', [[coyote]]s to ''Canis latrans'', [[golden jackal]]s to ''Canis aureus'', etc.; and all of these belong to the genus ''[[Canis]]'' (which also contains many other species). The name of the species is the whole binomial, not just the second term (which may be called specific epithet for animals, or specific name for animals).
Books and articles sometimes intentionally do not identify species fully and use the abbreviation "sp." in the singular or "spp." in the plural in the place of the specific epithet, for example ''Canis'' sp. This commonly occurs in the following types of situation:
Books and articles sometimes intentionally do not identify species fully and use the abbreviation "sp." in the singular or "spp." in the plural in the place of the specific epithet, for example ''Canis'' sp. This commonly occurs in the following types of situation: