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

Show major signs of diabetes, Q. What are the three major signs of diabetes...

Q. What are the three major signs of diabetes? The three major signs of diabetes mellitus are known as the diabetic triad- polydipsia, polyuria and polyphagia. Polyuria is t

Explain the functions of consciousness, Q. Explain the Functions of Conscio...

Q. Explain the Functions of Consciousness? Consciousness allows individuals to be aware of his/her surrounding, thereby defining the context and removing ambiguities. Simplific

Which enzyme acts on pyruvate in mitochondria, Which enzyme acts on pyruvat...

Which enzyme acts on pyruvate in mitochondria and converts it to acetyl CoA?Name its components and cofactors associated with it. Pyruvate dehydrogenase complex acts on pyruvate

What are the organs that are part of the male genital system, Q. What are t...

Q. What are the organs that are part of the male genital system? The organs that comprise the male genital system are the testicles, the vas deferens, the seminal vesicles, the

Define reaction of glucose & fructose with fehlings reagent, Define Reactio...

Define Reaction of glucose and fructose with Fehlings reagent? Lactose is a milk sugar. It is a reducing disaccharide having a free sugar group and can reduce Fehling's reagent

How do taenias obtain food and make gas exchange, How do taenias obtain foo...

How do taenias obtain food and make gas exchange? Tapeworms have hooks and sucking structures on their heads (scolex) that fixate the parasite in the gut wall; these structures

What is phagocytosis and phagosomes?, Protozoans ingest food by phagocytosi...

Protozoans ingest food by phagocytosis, and consequently, the ingested food is surrounded by a plasma membrane creating a food vacuole, or phagosome. Digestion does not start until

Enzyme-controlled reaction, If an enzyme-controlled reaction normally takes...

If an enzyme-controlled reaction normally takes place at 10ºC, in general terms how will the reaction be affected by  (a) a fall in temperature to 2°C , (b) a rise in temperature t

True cyst- endodontics principles and practice, True cyst: cyst that is co...

True cyst: cyst that is completely lined by epithelial tissues.All the lesions are far away without communication with endodontic access or endodontic cavity or periapical

Define pulmonary angiography, Q. Define Pulmonary angiography? Pulmonar...

Q. Define Pulmonary angiography? Pulmonary angiography is the angiographic opacification of the main and pulmonary artery and its branches. By radiographic techniques, it is po

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