The dinosaur with the shortest generic name is Yi.
Yi: The Two-Letter Wonder
- Genus Name: Yi (pronounced "ee")
- Significance: Yi is notable for having only two letters in its genus name, making it the shortest among all known dinosaurs.
- Binomial Name: Its full scientific name is Yi qi. This binomial name (genus + species) is also remarkably short, consisting of only four letters.
Why is this name important?
The naming of organisms follows strict rules established by the International Code of Zoological Nomenclature. Yi qi adheres to these rules while achieving a rare level of brevity. The regulations state there has to be a separation between genus and species, so Yi qi meets the minimal-length requirement for a dinosaur's scientific name.
