What primary purpose does the use of binomial nomenclature, like *Anthidium manicatum*, serve in biological communication?

Ensuring scientists globally reference the exact same biological entity regardless of shifting local common names

The Linnaean system of binomial nomenclature, established by Carl Linnaeus, is the universal standard for scientific communication because it imposes unparalleled precision. By assigning every species a unique two-part name consisting of the Genus followed by the species epithet (e.g., *Anthidium manicatum*), it bypasses the confusion caused by common names. Common names can vary significantly by region, language, or shift over time, potentially leading to overlapping references for different organisms or overlooking close relatives. The scientific name, however, ensures that any scientist around the world referencing *A. manicatum* is referring to precisely the same biological specimen, thereby creating a stable, unambiguous foundation for research, tracking ecological spread, and management efforts.