Genera/Species

At the species level, we move away from broad groups like "Mammals" or "Cats" and identify the specific organism. While common names like "Robin" or "Bluebell" are helpful in everyday conversation, they can be confusing because they vary by language and region.

The Universal Language of Science

To ensure scientists across the world are "talking the same language," every organism has a unique specific name. Historically, many groups like lichens, mosses, and fungi lacked common names entirely.

However, in the last 10–15 years, there has been a push to create common names for everyday species to help Citizen Scientists (non-professionals) record their observations more easily.

What Defines a Species?

For a long time, the "golden rule" was simple: if two organisms can breed and produce fertile offspring, they are the same species. However, nature often pushes these boundaries, leading to even more detailed layers at the very bottom of the tree.

1. Subspecies (The "Almost" Species)

Sometimes, a group of the same species becomes separated by geography, such as a mountain range or an ocean. Over time, they start to look different, though they could still breed if they met.

• The Naming Trick: We add a third word to the scientific name.

• Example: A Tiger is Panthera tigris. The Siberian version is Panthera tigris altaica.

2. Hybrids (The "Cross-overs")

When two different species breed, the result is a hybrid. In the Tree of Life, these are often "dead ends" because hybrids are usually unable to have their own offspring.

• The Mule: A cross between a Donkey and a Horse.

• The Liger: A cross between a Lion and a Tiger.

• The Hybrid Name: The scientific name is combined to match the specimen. For a mule, the name reflects the cross: Equus africanus asinus ♂ × ferus caballus