What is the scientific name for an acorn?

While the precise scientific name of each type of acorn varies with the species, all oaks are members of the genus Quercus. Acorns are considered nuts or seeds, and they have no other designated names.

Scientific American holds that acorns are important components of the diet of many wildlife species, including rodents, birds and large mammals, such as deer and pigs. Additionally, both ancient and some modern humans routinely consume acorns. Acorns are high in protein, calories and vitamin C, which makes them a good source of nutrition, and they are a major part of some cultures' diets. Approximately 500 species of oak trees are found around the world.