Why Botanical Names Matter in Biology Studies
Scientific names are given to each organism whether it be a plant, algae, fungi, or an extinct known as Botanical name. There are innumerable species on earth and we are surrounded by all such kinds of species. We identify all the living entities by their common names and these common names vary from region to region but there is one unique name for all living things which is called the botanical name. The main purpose behind giving unique botanical names to each living thing is to avoid confusion or misidentification between two living entities having similar names.
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Concept Used During Writing Botanical Name
Let’s consider the botanical name of mango is Mangifera Indica. Botanical name mainly consists of two words one is the genus and the other is species, the name of the species is always unique in the botanical name.
The biological classification of an organism is a process by which the living organisms are categorized, on the basis of different groups and subgroups and further, these groups and subgroups are based on similarities and dissimilarities present in an organism. Depending on this basis, organisms are placed in different hierarchies of different categories.
Factors Which are Necessary While Writing Biological Name
Biological names are written following so many rules, which should be followed to get the unique biological name of an organism. Biological names help us in identifying any plant among vast varieties of plants by setting the features of the plant on the basis of their size, habitat, nutrition and various other notifying processes.
Some of the objective behind biological classification are:
1. All the organisms are arranged on the basis of their similarities and dissimilarities.
2. Behind biological classification there is a phylogenetic system that indicates the origin and evolution of the species.
3. With the help of biological classification it is easy to identify organisms.
Common Plant Names with their Unique Botanical Names
Some of the botanical names examples are given below:
Different Types of Classification
There are mainly three types of classification:
1. Artificial System of Classification
In the artificial system of classification, morphological features of an organism are taken into consideration for grouping organisms in a different category, but few of them use the habit and habitat of an organism. As per Aristotle law, animals are divided into two categories like enaima ( animal having red blood cell ) and anima ( animals without red blood cells ). The classification of organisms is further based on habitats like aquatic organism (e.g: fish ), terrestrial organism ( e.g: reptiles ), aerial organism i.e. ones who live in the air (e.g: birds, bats).
2. The Natural System of Classification
In the natural system of classification, a number of resembling characters are considered like many similarities and dissimilarities present in an organism. This would help to set up relations between different organisms. In this system of classification, we mainly consider morphological features, anatomical features, cytological features, reproductive features, etc which is used to classify organisms.
For example, you can consider the biological classification of birds. Which are classified on the basis of the presence of wings, feathers and their pneumatic bone, whereas mammals are classified on the basis of the presence of reproductive ability.
3. Phylogenetic Classification
In phylogenetic classification, the evolutionary relationship of an organism is taken, which is known as a phylogenetic relationship, which is used to classify organisms into different categories. The phylogenetic system was proposed by Engler and Prantl (1887-99) zoologists who believed that similarity in structure represents a close evolutionary relationship. And their natural classification represents evolutionary and phylogenetic classification.
Uses of Unique Botanical Names
It is a scientific process, where plants, animals, and living entities are named based on a Latin word. Botanical names have many advantages, some of them are mentioned below.
Classification and organisation of entities are comprehensively organised which makes understanding and studying characteristics of particular entities easy and organized.
Scientific names are unique, all the living entities will have one unique name, which avoids confusion.
These names are accepted universally and it is standardised.
In future, if species are transferred to other genera, on the basis of recent research. The botanical names will be retained
Botanical names will help to understand the similarities between various species, which belong to the same genera and it is also helpful to build an association between the two species.
Do You Know?
Which character is least similar? The similar characters of the categories go on decreasing from the lowest rank to the highest rank in the taxonomic hierarchy. The categories are family, class, genus, and species. As class being the highest category possesses the least similar characters.
FAQs on Botanical Names: A Complete Student Guide
1. What exactly is a botanical name?
A botanical name is a unique, two-part scientific name given to a plant. This system, known as binomial nomenclature, is accepted worldwide to ensure every scientist is talking about the same plant, regardless of local language or common names. Each name consists of a genus and a species name.
2. Why is it important to use botanical names instead of common names?
Using botanical names is crucial to avoid confusion. A single common name, like 'marigold,' can refer to many different plants. A botanical name, however, is a universal standard that refers to only one specific plant species, making scientific communication clear and precise.
3. How are the scientific names for new plants decided?
Botanical names are decided based on a set of international rules called the International Code of Nomenclature for algae, fungi, and plants (ICN). When a new plant is discovered, botanists study its features to place it in a genus. They then assign a unique species name, often describing a characteristic of the plant, its location, or honouring a person.
4. What are the main rules for writing a botanical name correctly?
There are a few key rules to follow:
- The name is always in two parts: the genus name (first) and the species name (second).
- The genus name always starts with a capital letter, while the species name starts with a small letter.
- When typed, the entire name should be in italics. When handwritten, it should be underlined separately. For example, the name for mango is written as Mangifera indica.
5. Could you provide a few examples of botanical names for common plants?
Certainly! Here are a few examples:
- The botanical name for Mango is Mangifera indica.
- For Rose, it is Rosa gallica.
- For Potato, it is Solanum tuberosum.
- For Wheat, it is Triticum aestivum.
6. Why are botanical names always in Latin and written in italics?
Latin is used because it is a 'dead language,' meaning its words and rules don't change over time. This ensures the names remain stable and universal across the globe. Using a neutral language prevents any single country or region from having an advantage. They are written in italics to clearly distinguish them from the surrounding text, highlighting them as formal scientific names.
7. What do the two parts of a botanical name, like 'Mangifera indica' for mango, represent?
The two parts provide a specific classification, much like a person's full name.
- The first part, Mangifera, is the Genus. It's like a surname, grouping the mango with other closely related plants.
- The second part, indica, is the specific epithet or species name. This is like a first name and identifies the unique species within that genus. In this case, 'indica' suggests its origin is from India.
8. Do botanical names ever change?
Yes, sometimes they do. A botanical name can change if new research shows a plant was classified incorrectly. For example, modern DNA analysis might reveal a plant belongs to a different genus than originally thought. Any such changes must follow the strict rules of the ICN to ensure the change is officially recognised and helps improve the accuracy of scientific classification.
