How do animals get their names? Objective Learn about scientific names and binomial nomenclature and historic contributions of scientists. Investigate the connection of visual art to other disciplines. Background Scientific names Every species is given a two-part scientific name – Genus and species. This international system is called binomial nomenclature, and it ensures that every scientific name is unique. Scientific names allow people throughout the world to discuss specific species. For example, if Mexican and American scientists are studying Texas tortoises, they both use Gopherus berlan Duration: 30 Minutes.