Attenborough, Beyonce and jelly beans. What do they all have in common? They've all been immortalised in the scientific name of an organism.
While it might seem like scientists can name new species whatever they want, they do have to follow some quite strict rules when they want to name a new species:
- the name must follow the two part naming system — genus then species (for example, Myrmekiaphila neilyoungi),
- they must be Latinised (meaning they have to sound Latin, even if they don't use Latin words),
- they can't be rude,
- and they can't be already taken.
There are some exceptions and a few implied rules. For example, you're not supposed to name anything after yourself, although some still do. But within these parameters, scientists are free to let their creativity — and sense of humour — run wild.
See if you can spot the real species names from the fakes.
