What is the correct scientific name for the tree described (Genus Acer, Species saccharum)?

What is the correct scientific name for the tree described (Genus Acer, Species saccharum)?

• A. Sapindales saccharum
• B. Acer saccharum
• C. Aceraceae acer
• D. Sapindales aceraceae

Answer: (B)

Binomial nomenclature names a species with two parts: a capitalized genus and a lowercase species epithet, written together (often in italics). For the maple described, the genus is Acer and the species epithet is saccharum, giving Acer saccharum. This naming uniquely identifies the sugar maple and follows the standard format. The other options mix in taxonomic levels or use incorrect capitalization and structure. Using an order (Sapindales) or a family (Aceraceae) where the genus should be breaks the naming rule, and lowercase versus uppercase is also incorrect. So the proper scientific name is Acer saccharum.

Binomial nomenclature names a species with two parts: a capitalized genus and a lowercase species epithet, written together (often in italics). For the maple described, the genus is Acer and the species epithet is saccharum, giving Acer saccharum. This naming uniquely identifies the sugar maple and follows the standard format.

The other options mix in taxonomic levels or use incorrect capitalization and structure. Using an order (Sapindales) or a family (Aceraceae) where the genus should be breaks the naming rule, and lowercase versus uppercase is also incorrect. So the proper scientific name is Acer saccharum.