Which term describes the second name in the binomial nomenclature, the specific name, lowercase?

Which term describes the second name in the binomial nomenclature, the specific name, lowercase?

• A. Genus
• B. Cultivar
• C. Hybrid
• D. Species

Answer: (D)

In binomial nomenclature, each organism is named with two parts: the genus (the first word, capitalized) and the second word, which is the specific epithet and written in lowercase. That second word identifies the species within that genus, and together with the genus forms the full species name. Among the options, the best fit is Species, since it denotes the species-level identification provided by the second, lowercase term. The other terms don’t describe this second name: genus is the first word, cultivar is a cultivated variety, and hybrid refers to a cross, not the standard two-part species name.

In binomial nomenclature, each organism is named with two parts: the genus (the first word, capitalized) and the second word, which is the specific epithet and written in lowercase. That second word identifies the species within that genus, and together with the genus forms the full species name. Among the options, the best fit is Species, since it denotes the species-level identification provided by the second, lowercase term. The other terms don’t describe this second name: genus is the first word, cultivar is a cultivated variety, and hybrid refers to a cross, not the standard two-part species name.