Nomenclature Nomenclature is the giving and using of names Nomenclature is the giving and using of names It allows us to communicate without giving a lengthy description It allows us to communicate without giving a lengthy description

Linnaeus: father of taxonomy

Linnaeus Carl von Linné known by his pen name Linnaaeus Carl von Linné known by his pen name Linnaaeus Linnaeus practiced medicine Linnaeus practiced medicine He altered his classification many times as different plants were discovered He altered his classification many times as different plants were discovered He published Species Plantarum in 1733 He published Species Plantarum in 1733 He created a system called Linnaean binomial system of nomenclature He created a system called Linnaean binomial system of nomenclature Biological organisms are given two Latinized names Biological organisms are given two Latinized names

Linnaean binomial system of nomenclature The first name represents genus The first name represents genus The second name is termed as the specific epithet The second name is termed as the specific epithet The names combined represent the species name The names combined represent the species name E.G. red maple = Acer rubrum (Specific Name) E.G. red maple = Acer rubrum (Specific Name)

Linnaean Classification His taxonomy was based on the arrangement and number of the reproductive organs His taxonomy was based on the arrangement and number of the reproductive organs Stamens determined a plants class Stamens determined a plants class Pistils determined a plants order Pistils determined a plants order Plants without obvious sex organs were known as Cryptogamia “plants with a hidden marriage” Plants without obvious sex organs were known as Cryptogamia “plants with a hidden marriage” i.e. algae, lichens, fungi, and mosses i.e. algae, lichens, fungi, and mosses

Common Names Original form of nomenclature Original form of nomenclature Created by local people in their own regions Created by local people in their own regions Seems much simpler to understand Seems much simpler to understand However, there are problems with using common names However, there are problems with using common names

Problems with Common Names Common names are common only to the localized region Common names are common only to the localized region i.e. In England the white water lily has 15 common names i.e. In England the white water lily has 15 common names Used in different regions to identify different plants Used in different regions to identify different plants Common names may suggest erroneous relationships between plants Common names may suggest erroneous relationships between plants Rare species may not have names Rare species may not have names

Scientific Names Evolved from the 13 th to 18 th centuries Evolved from the 13 th to 18 th centuries Latin was used because it was the language of educated men! Latin was used because it was the language of educated men! Latin is a dead language therefore terms are fixed and no longer evolving! Latin is a dead language therefore terms are fixed and no longer evolving! Latin has no political significance Latin has no political significance

Objectives of Nomenclature To create an international system of names To create an international system of names To create a stable system. To create a stable system. Today the rules for naming plants are known as the International code of Botanical Nomenclature Today the rules for naming plants are known as the International code of Botanical Nomenclature

Plants’ Names (e.g., Irish potato)  Kingdom: Plantae  Phylum: Anthophyta (angiosperms)  Class: Magnoliopsida - Dicotyledones  Family: Solanaceae  Genus: Solanum  Species: Solanum tuberosum L.