Binomial System Flashcards
Why is it essential to have a worldwide method of learning all plant material?
A plant can have several common names
What are the benefits of using the same plant naming system?
Assists trade and economy
Identifies edible and poisonous species
Makes plant breeding easier as shows relationships between different plants
Gives order to scientific work
How are plants classified?
Colour
leaf shape
flower
DNA analysis
What does ‘generic’ mean in a plant name?
the first part of a plant name.
identifies the genus to which the species belongs
what is the second part of the name called and what does it stand for?
specific, or specific epithet.
identifies the species within the genus.
What is a hybrid?
usually the result of humans crossing plants to create new forms-can happen naturally in the wild
How would you write down a hybrid name?
put ‘x’ in the middle
eg: Mahonia x media (the green shrub with yellow flowers at the house in Rydal).
