Are animal species names capitalized AP style? This is a common question among writers and editors who follow the Associated Press (AP) style guide. The answer to this question is both straightforward and nuanced, as it depends on the context in which the species name is used.
The Associated Press Stylebook provides guidelines for capitalizing animal species names in scientific and common usage. In scientific nomenclature, the names of animal species are always capitalized. This is because the binomial nomenclature system, which was developed by Carl Linnaeus, requires that the genus and species names be capitalized. For example, the scientific name for the domestic cat is “Felis catus,” where “Felis” is the genus and “catus” is the species.
In common usage, however, the capitalization of animal species names is more flexible. According to the AP style guide, when using the common name of an animal species, it is typically not capitalized unless it is the first word in a sentence or part of a title. For instance, “The lion is a majestic animal,” but “Lions are found in the African savannah.”
There are a few exceptions to this rule. If the common name of an animal species is derived from a proper noun, such as a person’s name or a place, it should be capitalized. For example, “The African elephant is the largest land animal,” but “The Asian elephant is also a large species.”
In addition, when referring to a specific animal or group of animals, such as “the white-tailed deer” or “the bald eagle,” the common name should be capitalized. This is because the phrase is functioning as a noun and is being used to refer to a particular entity.
It is important to note that the capitalization of animal species names can vary depending on the publication or the specific style guide being followed. While the AP style guide is widely used in the United States, other style guides, such as the Chicago Manual of Style, may have different rules.
In conclusion, the answer to the question “Are animal species names capitalized AP style?” is that they are capitalized in scientific nomenclature and may or may not be capitalized in common usage, depending on the context. Writers and editors should always refer to the specific style guide they are using to ensure consistency and accuracy in their work.
