The term "baby" doesn't have a specific scientific name in the way that a species does. However, a formal term often used as a synonym for "baby" is infant.
Understanding the Term "Infant"
- According to the reference, Infant (from the Latin word infans, meaning 'baby' or 'child') is a formal or specialized synonym for the common term baby.
- This term can also apply to the juveniles of other organisms, not just humans.
Why No Specific Scientific Name?
Scientific names (binomial nomenclature) are typically assigned to species, genera, families, and other taxonomic ranks used in biological classification. "Baby" or "infant" refers to a developmental stage within a species, such as Homo sapiens (humans). Therefore, it doesn't require a unique scientific name.
Example
Consider human babies. Their scientific classification would still be Homo sapiens, the same as adults. The term "infant" simply describes their developmental stage.
Table Summary
| Term | Definition | Scientific Name Equivalent |
|---|---|---|
| Baby | A very young child or the young of an animal. | N/A |
| Infant | A formal or specialized synonym for "baby," derived from the Latin infans. | N/A |
| Homo sapiens | Scientific name for humans | Valid scientific name |
