Question

Why do the common names of organisms like "daisy" or "mountain lion" often cause problems for scientists?

Answer 1

Different locations will refer to different species differently.

Explanation:

The name mountain lion refers the the same species that the term puma and cougar refer to. So in this case we have 3 names for one animal depending on what part of the world you are in. What can be particularly problematic for scientists is times were one name can refer to multiple species.

For example, the name pickerel can refer to a walleye, but in some parts of the world it can refer to a northern pike. Even more confusing is the name "jack fish". Depending on where you are a jack fish can be any number of different species. However if you say Esox lucius it doesn't matter where you are you are talking about the same fish.