Taxonomy: Classification & Nomenclature — NEET Biology
📚 Practice ConceptThe living world is rich in variety. Millions of plants and animals have been identified and described but a large number still remains unknown. The very range of organisms in terms of size, colour, habitat, physiological and morphological features make us seek the defining characteristics of living organisms. In order to facilitate the study of kinds and diversity of organisms, biologists have evolved certain rules and principles for identification, nomenclature and classification of organisms. The branch of knowledge dealing with these aspects is referred to as taxonomy. The taxonomic studies of various species of plants and animals are useful in agriculture, forestry, industry and in general for knowing our bio-resources and their diversity. The basics of taxonomy like identification, naming and classification of organisms are universally evolved under international codes. Based on the resemblances and distinct differences, each organism is identified and assigned a correct scientific/biological name comprising two words as per the binomial system of nomenclature. An organism represents/occupies a place or position in the system of classification. There are many categories/ranks which are generally referred to as taxonomic categories or taxa. All the categories constitute a taxonomic hierarchy.
Which of the above statements regarding the standardization of naming living organisms are correct? S1: Local names for organisms remain consistent across different regions and countries, eliminating the need for scientific nomenclature. S2: The process of nomenclature requires that an organism is accurately identified before a scientific name can be assigned. S3: International Code of Zoological Nomenclature (ICZN) provides the agreed principles and criteria for assigning scientific names to plants. S4: Scientific names ensure that each known organism has only one unique name, accepted globally by biologists. S5: Binomial nomenclature, a system of providing a name with two components, was proposed by Carolus Linnaeus.
View solution & NCERT explanation
Correct answer: C — S2, S4 and S5
The need for standardising the naming of living organisms arises from the confusion caused by local names, which vary from place to place. Scientific nomenclature provides a universally accepted name for each organism. S1: This statement is incorrect. Local names vary widely from place to place and even within a country, causing confusion and necessitating scientific nomenclature for global consistency. S2: This statement is correct. Nomenclature, or naming, is only possible when an organism is correctly described and identified, ensuring that the name is attached to the right organism. S3: This statement is incorrect. The International Code of Zoological Nomenclature (ICZN) establishes principles for naming animals, while the International Code for Botanical Nomenclature (ICBN) is for plants. S4: This statement is correct. Scientific names are designed to ensure that each organism has only one name that is universally known and accepted by biologists, preventing ambiguity. S5: This statement is correct. The system of Binomial nomenclature, which uses a two-component name (Generic name and specific epithet), was given by Carolus Linnaeus. Therefore, statements S2, S4, and S5 are correct. The question tests the fundamental understanding of why and how living organisms are named scientifically, emphasizing the roles of identification, nomenclature, and the international codes.
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