Latin Names

[Coldfusion]

Why do we name dinosaurs and plants with latin names? Is it something boring like - becuase it makes them sound more interesting?

[pmead]

It may seem rather old fashioned to use latin names but it's actually very practical. There are approximately 3000 different species of known mammals, 9000 different species of bird and 900,000 known species of insects. You can imagine that with so many different species it is essential to have a naming convention which is recognised by the international scientific community. Each one of these species has a 'latin name' and a 'common name'. Common names for a particluar species vary by country and language but the latin name doesn't -meaning scientists around the world can ensure they are talking about the same thing! For example the common name 'Blackbird' in the UK, is different in other countries but the latin name remains 'Turdus Merula' where ever you are in the world.

[scuzzball]

We name all plants and animals with Latin names. You can blame Carl Linnaeus - he came up with the system of naming plants and animals which we, more or less, still use today. Its in Latin because back then latin was the universal language (well universal in europe anway) used by learned folk when expressing scientific ideas. It meant that translations were not necessary. For lots more on Linnaeus and his system of taxonomy see: http://www.ucmp.berkeley.edu/history/linnaeus.html

[scuzzball]

Try again with the link http://www.ucmp.berkeley.edu/history/linnaeus.html

[scuzzball]

Soory thats not working

[woofgang]

the other advantage of latin is that it is now a "dead language" ie it isn't being changed with use, so once you name a thing, you don't have to change the name as tne meaning of the word changes

[trilobite]

As already stated, the Latin name identifies a species absolutely where a number of common names exist, ie "all talking about the same thing".
Also, imagine the scenario where NO common names exist (A newly discovered species in a remote area or fossilised remains of an extinct animal) Scientists need to name these discoveries unambiguously.
A mixture of Latin and Greek words are used, perhaps a 'Latinised' version of the discoverer's name (for a newly identified species) is also used.
these latin names are not without reason or, sometimes, humour.
eg bronto-saurus = thunder lizard (greek)
veloci-raptor = speedy robber/plunderer