How can I find the scientific names of plants and animals?
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USGS Frequently Asked Questions
Question:
How can I find the scientific names of plants and animals?
Answer:
Systematics, or taxonomy, is the branch of biological sciences that deals with identification, description, naming and classification of the world's biota. Taxonomic information can be found through the National Biological Information Infrastructure -- the NBII -- at http://www.nbii.gov/index.html. In "Systematics" you will find links to a number of excellent sources for the information you are seeking, including the Integrated Taxonomic Information System, or ITIS. ITIS is a partnership of U.S., Canadian, and Mexican agencies, other organizations, and taxonomic specialists cooperating on the development of an online, scientifically credible list of biological names focusing on the biota of North America. ITIS is also a participating member of Species 2000, an international project indexing the world's known species.
