What do you mean by binomial system in binomial nomenclature, Biology

Assignment Help:

Q. What do you mean by Binomial system in binomial nomenclature?

In the previous sections we have outlined the concepts of binomial nomenclature at International level and the current principles. that we adopt today for naming the organisms. You should know that these have been evolved through a long historic process of refinement.

After having gone through the previous sections of this unit you must have understood that biological classification is centred on the primary groups of individual organisms, i.e. the species. Before the 17th century, learned biologists had no method of designating any species they wished to discuss except by writing descriptions. Thus we find "Mocking bird" was designated at that time in Latin phrase as "Turdus minor Cinero-albus non maculatus" (means, Thrush small grayish-white without spot, Similarly, a species of mint designated with the Latin phrase: "Prunella muguna flore albo" (i.e. pumella with the large white flower). These were polynomial names composed of several words in a series. These were cumbersome and often difficult to interpret. The first steps in developing modem nomenclature were those leading to binomial system of nomenclature. Binomial is a Latin term used to denote a combination of two words constituting a name also called binomen, binomial or binary. The system of naming species by means of a generic name plus a specific epithet (often termed trivial name)- is known as binomial system of nomenc1,ature. For example we can recollect the scientific name of sparrow i.e., Passer domestics Linn. In this binomial the first word (Passer) designates the genus to which the bird belongs and the second word (domestics) to a particular species of that genus. The two words in combination only constitute the species name of sparrow.

There is an obvious demerit in tagging specific epithet with the genus to form species name. With the transfer of a species to a different genus on taxonomists decision, its name is inevitably changed which in turn disturbs the free flow of information. To overcome the confusion so produced the code lays certain provisions which should be strictly observed. We can summarise the merits of binomial system as follows:,

1) It provides a summary of affinities for us which acts as an aid to the memory and provides basic information about organisms unknown to us;

2) If facilitates talking about groups of species that have certain features in common


Related Discussions:- What do you mean by binomial system in binomial nomenclature

Contractile vacuole - protozoans, Contractile vacuole - Protozoans The...

Contractile vacuole - Protozoans The contractile vacuoles may differ in complexity in various groups of protozoans. In amoebae the vacuoles are carried around in the cytoplasm

Explain the transmission electron microscope, Explain the Transmission Elec...

Explain the Transmission Electron Microscope Here, thin and dehydrated specimen is used. Electrons pass through the specimen and form image on to photographic film. These are u

Find the magnitude and direction of the net electric force, Three point cha...

Three point charges are located at the corners of an equilateral triangle as in the figure below. Find the magnitude and direction of the net electric force on the 1.40 µC charge.

Describe how dna is folded into chromatin structures , 1. DNA must be exten...

1. DNA must be extensively folded in order to fit inside a nucleus that is less than 10 um in diameter. a. Describe how DNA is folded into chromatin structures of increasing com

What is the deplasmolysis of plant cells, Q. What is the deplasmolysis of p...

Q. What is the deplasmolysis of plant cells? The plant cell when placed under hypertonic medium loses a great quantity of water and its cell membrane detaches from the cell wal

How have prokaryotic cells give origin to aerobic eukaryotic, How have prok...

How have prokaryotic cells given origin to aerobic eukaryotic cells and to photosynthetic aerobic eukaryotic cells? As per to the most accepted hypothesis aerobic eukaryotic ce

DNA damaged by alkylating agents, Q. DNA damaged by alkylating agents? ...

Q. DNA damaged by alkylating agents? 1. Some simple alkylating agents 2. Illustrations of products of alkylating agents 3.Many of these products can be repaired by excision rep

Physiological regeneration, Physiological Regeneration This type of r...

Physiological Regeneration This type of regeneration is a regular physiological function including the continuous replacements of cells and tissues, and thus is indispensible

Write Your Message!

Captcha
Free Assignment Quote

Assured A++ Grade

Get guaranteed satisfaction & time on delivery in every assignment order you paid with us! We ensure premium quality solution document along with free turntin report!

All rights reserved! Copyrights ©2019-2020 ExpertsMind IT Educational Pvt Ltd