Glossary

genus

Taxonomic group into which a family is divided and which contains one or more species characterised by a shared trait or traits. The generic name is used, either alone or followed by one or two specific epithets, to form a binomen or trinomen.

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Related terms

binomen
A binomial name.
generic name
The scientific name of a taxon with the rank of genus; the first part of a binomen or trinomen.
species
Taxonomic rank into which a genus is divided, but otherwise difficult to delineate precisely with a single definition satisfying all eventualities still lacking to date. There exist a number of concepts of which the most popular in vertebrate taxonomy include the biological species concept and phylogenetic species concept.
specific epithet
In zoological nomencature, the second name in a binomen and in a trinomen. Has no nomenclatural function when used alone, though this is often done in aquarium literature or when referring to a species in passing if the genus being referred to is already clearly known. Also known as specific name.
taxonomic
Of or relating to taxonomy.
trait
Genetically determined characteristic or condition; distinguishing feature.
trinomen
Combination of generic name, specific, and subspecific names which together form the name of a subspecies.

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