Botanical Classification Flashcards

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Questions and Answers

What is the binomial system?

A unique name for every species, universally understood

What is taxonomy?

The process of classifying and naming organisms

What are the two main parts of a species name?

Genus and specific epithet

What does genus mean?

Group of plants that are related and share close characteristics Signup and view all the answers

What does specific epithet mean?

This pinpoints a species in the wider genus Signup and view all the answers

What is the definition of Spermatophyta?

These are seed plants Signup and view all the answers

What are plant families?

Often a large group of related plants, whose name usually ends in ACEAE Signup and view all the answers

Why are some plants classified in a family?

They share similar characteristics Signup and view all the answers

What is the definition of a subspecies?

Finer detail levels in hierarchy; formats differ in 1 or few characteristics, e.g., flower color Signup and view all the answers

Provide an example of written subspecies.

Pinus Sylvestris car.scotica Signup and view all the answers

How are subspecies written?

In italics with small letter at start Signup and view all the answers

What is a cultivar?

Cultivated varieties, selected by humans Signup and view all the answers

Provide an example of a cultivar name.

Cupressus macrocarpa 'Goldcrest' Signup and view all the answers

How is a cultivar written?

After normal taxonomic name, in inverted commas Signup and view all the answers

What is a hybrid?

Crossing of 2 plants to form a new one Signup and view all the answers

Provide an example of a hybrid.

Anemone x hybrida Signup and view all the answers

Why hybridize?

To get the best characteristics of different plants together to create a new one Signup and view all the answers

Why use the binomial system?

To avoid confusion with common names Signup and view all the answers

Why do we classify plants?

To identify, imply relationships and to summarize common characteristics Signup and view all the answers

What is a subspecies?

Often used when a species has distinctive geographical races that differ consistently from the typical type Signup and view all the answers

What is a variety?

Even more finely delimited groups, often without such a strict geographical component Signup and view all the answers

What are subspecies, variety, form, and cultivar?

Beneath the genus and subspecies, there are even smaller subdivisions. Signup and view all the answers

Who introduced the binomial naming system?

Linnaeus published the first book on plant naming in 1753 called 'Species Plantarum' Signup and view all the answers

Who governs plant naming?

The ICN - International Code of Nomenclature, CP - for cultivated plants Signup and view all the answers

What are the advantages of nomenclature?

Unique: specific to one type of plant; Universal: an internationally accepted system; Unchanged: governed by the ICN so names can only change according to their rules; Indicate Relatedness: e.g., all onions and garlic are Allium; The specific epithet may provide useful information about the plant; Aids plant identification and scientific study Signup and view all the answers

What are F1 hybrids?

Stands for 'first filial generation'; The two parent plants are inbred for several generations to produce 'pure several lines'; The hybrid plants display uniform and vigorous growth ('hybrid vigor') Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Botanical Classification Overview

The binomial system provides a unique and universally recognized name for every species.
Taxonomy involves the classification and naming of organisms.

Species Naming Structure

A species name consists of two main parts: the genus and the specific epithet.
Genus groups plants that are closely related and share characteristics.
Specific epithet identifies a species within its genus.

Classification Groups

Spermatophyta refers to seed plants.
Plant families group related plants, commonly ending in the suffix "-aceae."
Similar characteristics lead to plants being categorized within the same family.

Hierarchical Classification

Subspecies offer finer classification details, differing in few characteristics like flower color.
An example of subspecies is written as "Pinus sylvestris car.scotica," italicized with the subspecies name starting in lowercase.

Cultivars and Hybrids

Cultivars are cultivated varieties selected by humans, such as "Cupressus macrocarpa 'Goldcrest'", written in quotation marks after the taxonomic name.
Hybrids result from crossing two plants to create a new variety, exemplified by "Anemone x hybrida."

Reasons for Hybridization

Hybridization aims to combine the best traits from different plants into a new one.

Importance of the Binomial System

The binomial naming system reduces confusion caused by common names, ensuring clarity in identification.

Classification Goals

Classification is essential for identifying plants, implying relationships, and summarizing common characteristics within groups.

Subdivision of Species

Subspecies denote geographical races differing from the typical type, while varieties are smaller, often non-geographical groupings.

Authoritative Framework

The binomial naming system was introduced by Linnaeus in 1753 with his work "Species Plantarum."
Plant naming is governed by the International Code of Nomenclature (ICN) and the Code for cultivated plants (CP).

Advantages of Nomenclature

Nomenclature offers unique, universal, and stable names specific to plant types, indicating relatedness and facilitating identification.

F1 Hybrids

F1 hybrids represent the first filial generation, resulting from inbreeding parent plants to create stable lines, exhibiting hybrid vigor and uniform growth.

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Description

Test your knowledge on botanical classification with these flashcards. Learn about the binomial naming system, taxonomy processes, and the parts of a species name. Perfect for students and enthusiasts of plant sciences.