CHAPTER-02 BIODIVERSITY

Student Learning Outcomes (SLOs)

After completing this lesson, the student will be able to:

1. Define biodiversity and classification.

2. Describe the advantages of classification.

3. Discuss the history of classification schemes.

4. List the three distinct domains into which living organisms are broadly classified.

5. List the taxonomic ranks of classification.

6. Define species.

7. Outline the binomial nomenclature system.

8. Describe the complications of classifying viruses.

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CHAPTER WISE NOTES

Q1. Why are the following scientists famous for?

 (a) Andrea Caesalpinia

 (b) John Ray

 (c) Tournefort

Ans:

Andrea Caesalpinia (1519-1603):

He divided plants into fifteen groups and called them genera.

John Ray (1627-1705):

He published important works on the classification of plants.

Tourne fort (1656-1708):

He introduced the taxa of class and species.

Q2. Write classification of human and Pea?

Ans:
Classification of human and Pea:

Taxa Human Pea

Kingdom Animalia Plantae

Phylum Chordata Magnoliophyte

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Class Mammalia Magnoliopsida

Order Primate Fables

Family Hominidae Fabaceae

Genus Homo Pisum

Species Homo sapiens Pisum sativum

Q3. Why is it important for a biologist to understand biological classification?

Ans:
Biological Classification:
The arrangement of organisms into groups and subgroups based on their similarities and differences is
called biological classification.

Importance of Biological Classification to Biologists:

(i) To understand the great variety of organisms.
(ii) To know similarities and differences between organisms.
(iii) To know the generic relationship between organisms.
(iv) To know the number of species and name of organisms.

Short Questions
Here are the questions with more detailed answers:

Q1. What is biodiversity?

Ans: Biodiversity refers to the variety of all living organisms on Earth, including different species,
ecosystems, and genetic variations within species.

Q2. What is the grouping of organisms called?

Ans: The grouping of organisms based on their similarities and differences is called
classification. It helps organize the vast diversity of life into categories.
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Q3. What does taxonomy involve?

Ans: Taxonomy involves the identification, naming, and classification of organisms into a
structured system. It helps scientists communicate about species and understand their
relationships.

Q4. What is systematics?

Ans: Systematics is the scientific study of the diversity of organisms and their evolutionary
relationships. It combines taxonomy with evolutionary biology to understand how species are
related.

Q5. Who was the first person to classify living organisms?

Ans: Aristotle was the first person to classify living organisms. He grouped animals based on
their physical characteristics and introduced the idea of hierarchical classification.

Q6. How were organisms classified in earlier systems?

Ans: Earlier classification systems categorized organisms into two kingdoms (Plantae and
Animalia), then expanded to three kingdoms with the addition of Protista, and eventually to five
kingdoms including Monera and Fungi.

Q7. What is the two-kingdom classification system?

Ans: The two-kingdom classification system divided all living organisms into two main groups:
Plantae (plants) and Animalia (animals), based on basic physical differences.

Q8. What was the purpose of the three-kingdom classification system?

Ans: The three-kingdom classification system introduced the kingdom Protista to distinguish
unicellular organisms, separating them from multicellular plants and animals.

Q9. What kingdoms are included in the five-kingdom classification system?

Ans: The five-kingdom classification system includes Monera (bacteria), Protista (unicellular
organisms), Fungi, Plantae (plants), and Animalia (animals).

Q10. What is a domain in biological classification?

Ans: A domain is the highest taxonomic rank in biological classification, grouping multiple
kingdoms based on fundamental differences in cellular structure and genetics.

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Q11. What are the three domains of life?

Ans: The three domains of life are Archaea (ancient microorganisms), Bacteria (true bacteria),
and Eukarya (organisms with complex cells, including plants, animals, fungi, and protists).

Q12. On what basis are organisms classified into three domains?

Ans: Organisms are classified into three domains based on the sequence of nucleotides in the
rRNA (ribosomal RNA) of their cells, reflecting their evolutionary history.

Q13. What are the four kingdoms within the domain Eukarya?
Ans: The four kingdoms within the domain Eukarya are Protista, Fungi, Plantae, and Animalia,
each representing different types of eukaryotic organisms.

Q14. What are taxonomic categories or taxa?

Ans: Taxonomic categories, or taxa, are the hierarchical groups into which organisms are
classified, such as kingdom, phylum, class, order, family, genus, and species.

Q15. What is the largest taxonomic rank, and how is it divided?

Ans: The kingdom is the largest taxonomic rank. It is divided into smaller ranks: Phylum, Class,
Order, Family, Genus, and Species, each representing a more specific level of classification.

Q16. What defines a species?

Ans: A species is defined as a group of organisms that can interbreed and produce fertile
offspring, sharing common characteristics and genetic makeup.

Q17. What is binomial nomenclature?

Ans: Binomial nomenclature is the system of naming organisms using two terms: the genus
name and the species name. This system provides a universal language for identifying species.

Q18. Why are viruses not included in any domain or kingdom?

Ans: Viruses are not included in any domain or kingdom because they exist at the borderline
between living and nonliving entities. They do not have cellular structure and can only replicate
within a host organism.

Section II:
Short Answer Questions

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Q1. What are the following scientists famous for?

(a) Aristotle
(b) Carolus Linnaeus
(c) Carl Woese

Ans:
(a) Aristotle:
The two-kingdom system was first proposed by Aristotle. The earliest known system of
classification of organisms comes from the Greek philosopher Aristotle, who classified all living
organisms known at that time as either in the group 'plants' or in 'animals'.

(b) Carolus Linnaeus:

Carolus Linnaeus introduced Binomial Nomenclature. He grouped species according to similar
physical characteristics.

(c) Carl Woese:

Carl Woese introduced a three-domain system of classification. The three domains of life are
Archaea, Bacteria, and Eukarya.

Q2. Define:
(a) Biodiversity
(b) Classification
(c) Taxonomy
(d) Systematics
(e) Domain
(f) Taxa
(g) Species

Ans:
(a) Biodiversity:
Biodiversity is the variety of living organisms present in an ecosystem. It includes the richness
and variety of living organisms on Earth.

(b) Classification:
Classification is the grouping of organisms based on their similarities and dissimilarities. It helps
in the systematic organization of biodiversity.

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(c) Taxonomy:
Taxonomy is the branch of biology concerned with the identification, naming, and classification
of organisms.

(d) Systematics:
Systematics is the scientific study of diversity of organisms and their evolutionary relationships.
It includes taxonomy and phylogeny.

(e) Domain:
In biology, a domain represents the largest taxonomic rank, which is a group of kingdoms.
Domains are classified above the kingdom level.

(f) Taxa:
Taxa are the groups into which organisms are classified in a taxonomic hierarchy. Each rank,
such as species, genus, family, etc., represents a taxon.

(g) Species:
A species is defined as a group of organisms capable of interbreeding and producing fertile
offspring.

Q3. What is domain? Name the three domains of life.

OR
List the three distinct domains into which living organisms are broadly classified.

Ans:
In biology, a domain is the largest of all groups in the classification of life. Domain is a group of
kingdoms or taxonomic categories above the kingdom.

Types of Domain:
(a) The Domain Archaea
(b) The Domain Bacteria
(c) The Domain Eukarya

Q4. What are the basis of classification of life into domains?

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Ans:
Classification into three domains is based on:
i. Difference in the sequence of nucleotides in the rRNA (ribosomal ribonucleic acid) of the cell.
ii. The cell's membrane lipid structure.
iii. Sensitivity to antibiotics.

Q5. Can you differentiate between?

(a) Bacteria and Protists
(b) Fungi and Plants
(c) Plants and Animals

Ans:
(a) Differentiate between Bacteria and Protists:

Bacteria Protists

Bacteria are considered as unicellular Protists include eukaryotic organisms with a

prokaryotic organisms. unicellular or simple multicellular structure.

Mode of nutrition of bacteria is autotrophic Protists are photosynthetic or heterotrophic or a

or heterotrophic. combination of both.

Bacterial cells vary in shape and occur Plant-like protists called algae e.g., Euglena.
single, in chains, or in clumps. Fungi-like protists e.g., slime molds. Amoeba.

The main types of shapes exist in bacteria

are cocci, bacilli, vibrios, and spirilla.

(b) Differentiate between Fungi and Plants:

Fungi Plants

Fungi are eukaryotic organisms. Mostly fungi Plants are eukaryotic multicellular.
are multicellular.

They have chitin in their cell wall. Their cell wall is made up of cellulose.

Fungi may be saprotrophic decomposers. Plants are autotrophic with chloroplasts

containing chlorophyll.

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The examples of fungi are black bread mold, e.g., moss, mustard.
yeast, mushroom, etc.

(c) Differentiate between Plants and Animals:

Plants Animals

Plants are eukaryotic multicellular. Animals are multicellular eukaryotes.

Their cell wall is made up of cellulose. Animals lack cell wall and chlorophyll.

Plants are autotrophic with chloroplasts Animals have heterotrophic mode of nutrition.
containing chlorophyll.

e.g., moss, mustard. This kingdom includes invertebrates e.g., insects, star
fish and vertebrates e.g., fish, frogs.

Q6. Answer the following with supportive reasons.

(a) Which is the simplest domain?
(b) Which is the complex domain?
(c) Are most bacteria harmful?
(d) Which domain/s can flourish or survive in the most adverse conditions?

Ans:
(a) Which is the simplest domain?
Ans: The Archaea domain is considered simpler than the other two domains, Bacteria and
Eukarya, for several reasons:
i. Cellular Complexity:
Archaea are prokaryotic organisms, meaning they lack a true nucleus and membrane-bound
organelles, making their cellular structure simpler compared to eukaryotic organisms found in
the Eukarya domain.

(b) Which is the complex domain?

Ans: Eukarya encompasses a wide range of organisms that are characterized by having complex,
eukaryotic cells with membrane-bound organelles, including a nucleus containing DNA.

(c) Are most bacteria harmful?

Ans: No, most bacteria are not harmful. Some are beneficial also.
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Here are some ways in which bacteria can be beneficial:

i. Nutrient Cycling
ii. Bioremediation
iii. Symbiotic Relationships

(d) Which domain/s can flourish or survive in most adverse conditions?

Ans: The domain that can flourish or survive in the most adverse conditions is Archaea. Archaea
are known for their ability to thrive in extreme environments that would be inhospitable to most
other organisms. Some of the extreme environments where Archaea can be found include:
i. Extreme Temperatures:
Archaea can survive in environments with extremely high temperatures.
ii. Extreme pH:
Archaea are also found in environments with extreme pH levels, such as acidic hot springs or
alkaline soda lakes.

Q7. Compare the two-kingdom, three-kingdom, and five-kingdom system of classification.

Ans:
Comparison of two-kingdom, three-kingdom, and five-kingdom system of classification

Two-kingdom classification Three-kingdom Five-kingdom classification

system classification system system

● It is the oldest system and ● This system includes: ● All prokaryotic organisms are
classifies organisms into two ○ The kingdom Plantae included in kingdom Monera.
kingdoms, the Plantae and includes the autotrophs. They are unicellular, small, and are
Animalia. ○ Bacteria, fungi, and algae relatively simple in structure. This
were also included in the kingdom includes bacteria and
kingdom. cyanobacteria.

● The kingdom Plantae ● The organisms which ● Protists include eukaryotic

includes the autotrophs. depend on autotrophs or organisms with unicellular or
Bacteria, fungi, and algae other heterotrophs are colonial organization. These are
were also included in the included in the kingdom mostly aquatic. It is a diverse

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kingdom. Animalia. group of organisms. It includes:

Animal-like protists called
protozoa e.g., Amoeba. Plant-like
protists called algae e.g., Euglena.
Fungi-like protists e.g., slime
molds.

● The organisms which ● The German scientist ● Fungi are eukaryotic organisms
depend on autotrophs or Ernst Haeckel proposed a which have chitin in their cell wall.
other heterotrophs are third kingdom, Protista, to Fungi are saprotrophic
included in the kingdom accommodate Euglena-like decomposers. Mostly fungi are
Animalia. organisms and to separate multicellular. Some fungi are
unicellular microscopic unicellular. The examples of fungi
organisms from are black bread mold, yeast,
multicellular ones. mushroom, etc.

● Many unicellular organisms ● The members of kingdom

like Euglena have both plant- Plantae are eukaryotic
like (presence of chlorophyll) multicellular and autotrophic with
and animal-like chloroplasts containing
(heterotrophic mode of chlorophyll.
nutrition or can move)
characteristics. So the
kingdom was introduced for
such organisms.

Q8. Compare the three-domain system of classification.

Ans:
Comparison of the three-domain system of classification:

The Domain Archaea The Domain Bacteria The Domain Eukarya

The domain Archaea has the The domain bacteria have The domain Eukarya (also
spelled Eucarya) has the

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following characteristics: the following characteristics: following characteristics:

a. Archaea are prokaryotic cells. a. Bacteria are prokaryotic a. Eukarya have eukaryotic
cells. cells.

b. The cell walls of Archaea b. The cell walls of bacteria b. Not all Eukarya have cells
contain no peptidoglycan. contain peptidoglycan. with a cell wall. Their cell wall
contains no peptidoglycan.

c. The rRNA (ribosomal RNA) is c. They contain rRNA that is c. Eukarya contains rRNA that
not found in Bacteria and unique to bacteria. is unique to Eukarya.
Eukarya.

d. Archaea are not sensitive to d. Bacteria are sensitive to d. Eukarya are resistant to
some antibiotics that affect traditional antibacterial traditional antibacterial
bacteria. They are sensitive to antibiotics but are resistant antibiotics but are sensitive
some antibiotics that affect to most antibiotics that to most antibiotics that affect
Eukarya. affect eukarya. eukaryotic cells.

e. Archaea often live in extreme

environments.

f. Archaea membrane can

withstand high temperatures and
stronger acid concentrations.

g. Archaea creatures include

Methanogens, Halophiles, and
Thermoacidophiles.

h. Peptidoglycan or murein is a
polysaccharide, consisting of
sugar and amino acids that form
a layer outside the rigid cell wall.

Q9. Why mule is not regarded as a species?

Ans:
Species:
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A species is a group of similar organisms, individuals capable of interbreeding or exchanging

genes among themselves and producing fertile offspring.
A cross between a male donkey and a female horse produces a mule. It is infertile, because of
the odd number of chromosomes, they can't reproduce. So, it is not a species. Species is the
most basic unit of classification, as well as a taxonomic rank.

Section III: Extensive Answer Questions

Q1. What is biodiversity? Write the importance of biodiversity in the natural ecosystem.

Ans:
Biodiversity:
Biodiversity is the variety of living organisms present in an ecosystem. Biodiversity is the
richness and variety of living organisms on Earth.

Importance of Biodiversity in the Natural Ecosystem:

The benefits and services provided by natural biodiversity include:

1. Maintenance of soil quality:

The activities of microbial and animal species play a key role in the cycling of crucial

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elements such as nitrogen, carbon, and phosphorus between the living and non-living
parts of the biosphere.

2. Maintenance of air quality:

Plant species purify the air and regulate the composition of the atmosphere.

3. Maintenance of water quality:

Wetland ecosystems (swamps, marshes, etc.) absorb and recycle essential nutrients, treat
sewage, and clean water.

4. Pest control:
Around 99 percent of potential crop pests are controlled by a variety of other organisms,
including insects, birds, and fungi.

5. Pollination and crop production:

Many flowering plants rely on the activities of various animal species - bees, butterflies,
bats, birds, etc. - to help pollination. More than one-third of human food crops depend
on this process of natural pollination and dispersal of seeds.

6. Provision of food and medicine:

Biodiversity provides the majority of our foodstuffs and traditional medicines derived
mainly from plants.

Q2. Describe classification. How are the organisms classified?

Ans:
Classification:
Biologists have devised ways of grouping organisms. The grouping of organisms is called
classification.

Taxonomy:
Taxonomy is the branch of biology concerned with the identification, naming, and classification
of organisms.

Systematics:
The scientific study of the diversity of organisms and their evolutionary relationship is called
systematics.

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Aims and objectives of classification:

The main aims and objectives of classification are: i. To determine similarities and differences
between organisms. ii. To arrange organisms on the basis of similarities and differences. iii.
Identify the organisms to study them systematically. iv. To find out evolutionary relationships
among organisms.

Q3. What are the main aims and objectives of classification?

Ans:
The main aims and objectives of classification are: i. To determine similarities and differences
between organisms. ii. To arrange organisms on the basis of similarities and differences. iii.
Identify the organisms to study them systematically. iv. To find out evolutionary relationships
among organisms.

Q4. Give an account of history of classification. OR Discuss the history of classification

schemes.

Ans:
History of Classification:
Many systems of classification have been devised. Whenever any new information becomes
available, it is incorporated. Living organisms have been classified into two to five kingdoms.

(i) Two Kingdom system of classification:

The Two Kingdom system was first proposed by Aristotle. The two kingdoms are Kingdom
Plantae (plants) and Kingdom Animalia (animals). Plants are non-motile and can make their own
food, while animals cannot make their food.

(ii) Three Kingdom system of classification:

A German scientist, Ernst Haeckel, proposed adding a third kingdom, Protista, in order to
separate unicellular and colonial organisms from multicellular ones.

(iii) Five Kingdom system of classification:

The Five Kingdom system of classification better explains the diversity of living organisms. In the
Five Kingdom system, the Monera are distinguished by their prokaryotic structure. The kingdom

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Protista contains a diverse group of unicellular organisms that are hard to classify and define.
The Five Kingdom classification system places fungi in a separate kingdom.

Greek Period:
The earliest known system of classification of organisms comes from the Greek philosopher
Aristotle, who classified all living organisms known at that time as either in the group 'plants' or
in 'animals'.

Muslim Period:
In 700s AD, Abu Usman Umer Aljahiz described the characteristics of 350 species of animals in
his book. He wrote a lot about the life of ants. In 1172, Ibn Rushd (Averroes) translated
Aristotle's book "De Anima (On the Soul)" into Arabic. In the end of the 15th century, many
biologists had started work on classification methods e.g.,

Modern Period:

 Andrea Caesalpino (1519-1603 AD):

Divided plants into fifteen groups and called them "genera".

 John Ray (1627-1705 AD):

Published important works on plant classification.

 Augustus Rivinus (1652-1723 AD):

Introduced the taxon of "order".

 Tournefort (1656-1708 AD):

Introduced the taxa of "class" and "species".

 Carolus Linnaeus (1707-1778 AD):

Grouped species according to similar physical characteristics. Carolus Linnaeus divided
nature into three kingdoms: mineral, vegetable, and animal. Linnaeus used five ranks in
classification: class, order, genus, species, and variety. Linnaeus is best known for his
introduction of the method still used to formulate the scientific name of every species.

Biologists prefer such a system that can provide maximum information about the basic
differences and similarities among different organisms. According to earlier classification
systems, organisms were classified into two kingdoms but now taxonomists agree on a five-
kingdom classification system.

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Q5. What are the characteristics of the domain Archaea?

Ans:
The Domain Archaea:
The domain Archaea has the following characteristics: a. Archaea are prokaryotic cells. b. The
cell walls of Archaea contain no peptidoglycan. c. The rRNA (ribosomal RNA) are not found in
Bacteria and Eukarya. d. Archaea are not sensitive to some antibiotics that affect bacteria. They
are sensitive to some antibiotics that affect Eukarya. e. Archaea often live in extreme
environments. f. Archaea membrane can withstand higher temperatures and stronger acid
concentration. g. Archaea creatures include Methanogens, Halophiles, Thermoacidophiles. h.
Peptidoglycan or murein is a polysaccharide, consisting of sugar and amino acids that form a
layer outside the rigid cell wall.

Q6. What are the characteristics of the domain: (a) Bacteria (b) Eukarya?

Ans:
(a) Bacteria:
The domain Bacteria have the following characteristics: a. Bacteria are prokaryotic cells. b. The
cell walls of Bacteria contain peptidoglycan. c. They contain rRNA that is unique to bacteria. d.
Bacteria are sensitive to traditional antibacterial antibiotics but are resistant to most antibiotics
that affect eukarya.

(b) Eukarya:
The domain Eukarya (also spelled Eucarya) has the following characteristics: a. Eukarya have
eukaryotic cells. b. Not all Eukarya have cells with a cell wall. Their cell wall contains no
peptidoglycan. c. Eukarya contains rRNA that is unique to Eukarya. d. Eukarya are resistant to
traditional antibacterial antibiotics but are sensitive to most antibiotics that affect eukaryotic
cells.

Q7. What are the diagnostic characteristics of the four kingdoms of domain Eukarya?

Ans:
Domain Eukarya:
The domain Eukarya are divided into four kingdoms: Protista, Fungi, Plantae, and Animalia.

i. Protista:
Protists include eukaryotic organisms with unicellular or colonial organization. These are mostly

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aquatic. It is a diverse group of organisms. Its organization includes: Animal-like protists called
protozoa e.g., Amoeba. Plant-like protists called algae e.g., Euglena. Fungi-like protists e.g.,
slime molds.

ii. Fungi:
Fungi are eukaryotic organisms that have chitin in their cell wall. Fungi are saprotrophic
decomposers. Mostly fungi are multicellular. Some fungi are unicellular. The examples of fungi
are black bread mold, yeast, mushroom, etc.

iii. Plantae:
The members of kingdom Plantae are eukaryotic multicellular and autotrophic with chloroplasts
containing chlorophyll. Their cell wall is made up of cellulose e.g., moss, mustard.

iv. Animalia:
Animals are multicellular heterotrophic eukaryotes. Animals lack cell walls and chlorophyll. They
can generally move from place to place. This kingdom includes invertebrates e.g., insects,
starfish, and vertebrates e.g., fish, frogs, and man.

Q8. Describe the taxonomic ranks of classification.

Ans:
Taxonomic Ranks of Classification:
The group into which organisms are classified are known as taxonomic categories or taxa
(singular 'taxon'). The taxa form a ladder, called taxonomic hierarchy. There are eight main
taxonomic ranks: kingdom, phylum or division, class, order, family, genus, and species. In
addition, domain is now usually used as a fundamental rank.

The kingdom is the largest taxon or rank. Each kingdom is further divided into smaller taxa in
the following way:

 Phylum (Division for plants and fungi):

A phylum is a group of related classes.

 Class:
A class is a group of related orders.

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 Order:
An order is a group of related families.

 Family:
A family is a group of related genera.

 Genus:
A genus is a group of related species.

 Species:
A species is a group of similar organisms.

Q9. Write a brief note on species.

Ans:
Species:
A species is a fundamental unit of biological classification and represents a group of organisms
that are capable of interbreeding and producing fertile offspring under natural conditions. In
other words, members of the same species can mate with one another and produce viable
offspring that are also capable of reproducing. The concept of species is central to
understanding the diversity of life on Earth and plays a crucial role in biological research,
conservation, and taxonomy.

Key characteristics of species include:

1. Reproductive Compatibility:
Members of the same species share genetic similarities that enable them to reproduce
with one another. This reproductive compatibility ensures the continuity of the species
over successive generations.

2. Morphological and Genetic Similarities:

Members of the same species often exhibit similar physical characteristics, such as body
shape, size, and coloration. Additionally, they share genetic traits that distinguish them
from members of other species.

3. Geographic Distribution:
Species typically have a defined geographic range within which they are naturally found.

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However, some species may have widespread distributions, while others may be restricted
to specific habitats or regions.

4. Ecological Interactions:
Members of the same species often occupy similar ecological niches and interact with
one another in various ways, such as competition for resources, cooperation in social
groups, or mating behaviors.

5. Evolutionary History:
Species have a shared evolutionary history and are descended from a common ancestor.
Over time, species may evolve and diverge into new species through processes such as
natural selection, genetic drift, and speciation.

Q10. What is Binomial nomenclature? Describe aims, principles, and importance of

Binomial nomenclature using local examples.

Ans:
Binomial Nomenclature:
Binomial nomenclature is the method of giving scientific names to living organisms. As the
word 'binomial' suggests, the scientific name of a species consists of two names: the first is
genus name and the second one is the name of species. Linnaeus introduced a naming system
to give each organism a name consisting of two Latin names. The first name is genus and the
second name represents the particular species.

The genus name begins with a capital letter; the species name begins with a small letter.
Since each name has two parts, so it is called binomial nomenclature.

Example:
Biological name of human beings is Homo sapiens. Our genus name is Homo and species name
is sapiens. A genus may have many species e.g., all cats belong to genus Felis including lion.

Aims / Significance of Binomial Nomenclature:

In biological research, common names cause many problems. Different regions have different
names for the same organism.

For example:
Common name of onion in Urdu is 'Piyaz' but in different regions of Pakistan it is also known as

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'ganda' or 'bassa' or 'vassal'. In other countries, it has other sets of names. In science, it is known
with a single name as Allium cepa.
In some cases, different organisms are called by the same common name.

For example:
The name 'black bird' is used for crow as well as for raven. Common names have no scientific
basis.

For example:
A fish is a vertebrate animal with fins and gills. But several common names of 'silver fish', 'cray
fish', 'jelly fish', and 'star fish' do not fit the biologist's definition of a fish.

To avoid all these confusions, organisms are given scientific names by using binomial
nomenclature. The value of this system is due to its widespread use and the stability of its
names. In binomial nomenclature, every species can be unambiguously identified with just two
words. Same name can be used all over the world, in all languages, avoiding difficulties of
translation.

Common Name Scientific Name

Onion Allium cepa

Amaltas Cassia fistula

Potato Solanum tuberosum

Tomato Lycopersicum esculentum

Man Homo sapiens

Principles of Binomial Nomenclature:

1. Scientific names are usually printed in italics, such as Homo sapiens. When handwritten
they are underlined.

2. The first term (generic name) always begins with a capital letter, while the species name is
never capitalized (even when derived from a proper name).

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3. The scientific name is generally written in full when it is first used. But when it is listed, it
may then be abbreviated by just using an initial for genus; for example Escherichia coli
becomes E. coli.

Importance of Binomial Nomenclature:

A common name will vary from country to country just because different countries use different
languages. Hence there was a need for a universal language such as Latin. Even those who
speak the same language sometimes use different common names for the same organisms.

Example:
Brinjal is Baigan in Urdu, Bataani in Punjabi, Vaataan in Sindhi. Its biological name is Solanum
melongena. Find out the Punjabi, Sindhi, Pushto or other local names or German, French,
Spanish, Arabic, Russian, Chinese names of the following which will show the importance of
biological name.

1. Potato: Solanum tuberosum

2. Rice: Oryza sativa

A scientific name has the advantage of standing for a single kind of animal, plant or
microorganism all over the world.

Q11. State the complications of classifying viruses.

Ans:
Complications of Classifying Viruses:
Viruses show characteristics of both living and nonliving things. The living characteristics of
viruses are:

i. They occur in different varieties. ii. They have their own genetic material in the form of either
RNA or DNA. iii. They reproduce using the material of the host cell in which they enter. iv. They
enter the cells of living organisms and cause diseases.

The non-living characteristics of viruses are:

i. They lack cellular structure and enzyme system. ii. They can be crystallized and stored in a
bottle. iii. They do not respire. iv. Viruses behave as non-living, inert infectious particles outside
the host.

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 CHAPTER-02 BIODIVERSITY

Viruses are at the borderline of living and non-living. So, they are not included in any domain
and kingdom under modern classification.

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