Concept explainers
To write:
To discuss the advantages and drawbacks of using scientific names as compared to the common names.
Introduction:
The scientific names of the species are governed by the rules accepted internationally which determines the name and ensures each species has only one name. The binomial nomenclature is used for the scientific names consisting of two-word system, the first identifying the genus and second the characteristics. The English common names have been coined for people who are not comfortable with the strange scientific names which are being used by the taxonomists. There can be more than one common name for a particular organism.
Explanation of Solution
Advantages of the scientific or botanical names include the information of the organism with respect to other species of different categories, the scientific names are accepted internationally and follow international rules of nomenclature, they are exact and uniform throughout.
Disadvantages of the binomial system are that the taxonomic groups do not have a fixed size; some of the groups in botanical names are quite stable while some are required to be checked for the circumscription being used. Moreover, they are difficult to learn and recognize.
The main advantage of common names is the ease of usage and understanding while the disadvantage is non-uniqueness and cause confusion both locally and internationally.
Thus, the advantages and drawbacks of using scientific names as compared to the common names have been discussed.
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Chapter 16 Solutions
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