What is the term for the scientific naming of organisms?

The scientific naming of organisms is referred to as nomenclature. This term specifically pertains to the system of assigning names to the various taxa within the biological hierarchy, following established rules and conventions, such as those laid out by the International Code of Nomenclature. Nomenclature provides a standardized method for naming organisms, which is essential for clear communication among scientists and helps avoid confusion that can arise from common names that may vary by region or language.

While classification refers to the broader process of organizing and categorizing organisms into groups based on shared characteristics, and taxonomy encompasses both classification and nomenclature as part of the overall science of naming, describing, and classifying organisms, nomenclature specifically focuses on the names themselves. Identification is the process of determining the identity of an organism, often through the use of dichotomous keys or field guides, but it does not refer to the naming process directly. Thus, the word nomenclature accurately captures the essence of the scientific naming system used in biology.