Re: How are genus species names for animals chosen?

WEll, lets see... By the nature of your question I will assume that an organisms classification from family up to kingdom is clear.

Genus and species names can be a little more complex however. Generally, species are found and then identified in descending order down the taxa. (However recent advances in science have now made it possible to create species- and thus know what it is before it ever exists!!!) Genus, and more specifically, species names can be chosen a number of ways. Say Bobby Jones discovers a new type of lizard, he could name it Bobis Jonesius. Examples of this can be found in the early days of taxnomy more than today as scientists generally follow a number of guidelines on how and what to name organisme. Sometimes (and probably the best idea for the rest of the scientific community) organisms are brought to taxonomists who specialize in naming organisms.

Now, all this considered, let's remember science is only as sound and practical as the people doing it. So take Felis cattus for example. Some time ago, Felis domesticus was the given genus and species name but this was later changed (lingering around in texts). So to answer your question Felis cattus is the correct genus and species name. But don't be suprized to find a wide range of answers for the same taxa question. Although it is less common with genus and species names, different taxa are constantly being listed under differing families, orders, classes, phyla, and in some cases kingdoms. A number of protozoans (single-cell organisms) possess both plant and animal characteristics....so.. animal or plant? or both? Once again it seems mother nature is much more complex than we categorize...