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What is the purpose of binomial nomenclature?

  1. To classify organisms based on habitat

  2. To provide a unique name for each species

  3. To indicate the diet of an organism

  4. To determine the geographic distribution of species

The correct answer is: To provide a unique name for each species

The purpose of binomial nomenclature is to provide a unique name for each species. This system was developed by Carl Linnaeus and is fundamental in the field of taxonomy. Each species is assigned a name consisting of two parts: the genus name, which is capitalized, and the species name, which is lowercase. This standardized naming convention helps ensure that each species has a distinct and universally recognized name, reducing confusion that may arise from regional or common names. By using a consistent naming system, scientists and researchers from all over the world can communicate clearly about specific organisms, no matter the language or region. This is crucial for scientific studies, biodiversity assessments, conservation efforts, and in many other biological contexts where precise identification of species is necessary.