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

Explain venous pulsation, Explain venous pulsation? Venous Pulsation: N...

Explain venous pulsation? Venous Pulsation: Normally the jugular venous pulsation faithfully reflects the pressure changes in right atrium. It is described as a, x, c, x, v, y,

Pup, hey what is puperty

hey what is puperty

Explain the bright field microscopes, Explain the Bright Field Microscopes?...

Explain the Bright Field Microscopes? Figure illustrates the compound bright field microscope. This is the most commonly used microscope in biology and microbiology courses. It

Special uses of biogas, S p e c i a l Uses Biogas Biogas is an im...

S p e c i a l Uses Biogas Biogas is an important renewable energy resource for rural areas. Generation of bio-gas from dung and urine is a very simple and cost-effective

Morphology, Morphology:  It deals with external forms, structure and the re...

Morphology:  It deals with external forms, structure and the relative position of various organs of living beings. Morphology is a branch of bioscience which dealing with the study

Multiple fission - types of asexual reproduction, Multiple Fission - Types ...

Multiple Fission - Types of Asexual Reproduction Multiple fission is a variation of fission where the parent divides mitotically into a number of smaller units that are the da

Determine guidelines for planning balanced diets for elderly, Determine Gui...

Determine Guidelines for Planning Balanced Diets for Elderly? The key element in planning diets for the elderly should be nutrient-based dietary guidelines, in order to reduce

Cladogram help, Recent molecular analyses indicate that the artiodactyls, w...

Recent molecular analyses indicate that the artiodactyls, which include hippos and camels, are paraphyletic, whereas cetaceans are monophyletic and cetaceans and hippos form a clad

Welfare, what is welfare in biology

what is welfare in biology

Plants, information on climbing beans

information on climbing beans

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