The common names of organisms may be confusing. In order to communicate about organisms without confusion, scientists have given all known organisms special scientific names. The scientific name for any organism is the same everywhere. No two organisms have the same scientific name.
Scientific names are based upon Latin or Greek words. They are descriptive names that tell something about the organism. All scientific names are made up of a genus and species name.
A genus is a grouping of somewhat different but related animals. A species is a particular kind of animal found within the genus.
(genus) Felis
(species) Felis Domesticus Felis Concolor Felis Onca
(house cat) (mountain lion) (jaguar)