Which term is the science of naming and classifying organisms?

• A. Nomenclature
• B. Botany
• C. Taxonomy
• D. Classification

Answer: (C)

Taxonomy is the science of naming and classifying organisms. It brings together nomenclature—the system for giving organisms their scientific names, such as the binomial names used for species—with the practice of classification, which organizes organisms into a hierarchical framework (domain, kingdom, phylum, class, order, family, genus, species) based on shared characteristics and evolutionary relationships. Nomenclature focuses on how names are formed and standardized, while taxonomy encompasses both naming and the methods of grouping organisms to reflect their relationships. Botany is the study of plants, not the general science of naming and classifying all living things, and classification refers to the act of grouping, which is part of taxonomy but not the entire science on its own. Therefore, the term that best fits is taxonomy.