Horticulture Science - Plant Classification

Which classification method would likely include a plant in multiple categories, making it less effective? A. Classification by End Use B. Classification by Life Cycle C. Classification by Growth Habit D. Classification by Environmental Adaptation

A. Classification by End Use. Classification by use (e.g., edible, ornamental, drugs/spices, timber) would result in plants fitting into multiple categories, making it probably not effective.

True or False: The binomial nomenclature system primarily uses Greek language for plant names.

False. The binomial nomenclature system uses Latin language for plant names.

The scientific name Acer rubrum consists of two parts: the Genus and the __.

Species. The plant name in binomial nomenclature is composed of two parts: Genus and Species.

Carl Linnaeus, an 18th-century botanist, is credited with developing which internationally recognized plant naming system?

Binomial Nomenclature. Carl Linnaeus developed the Binomial Nomenclature system, which is internationally recognized.

What is the primary reason why common names are problematic for universal plant identification? A. They are too long to remember. B. They are only used regionally. C. They vary greatly by location and can refer to different plants. D. They do not indicate the plant's growth habit.

C. They vary greatly by location and can refer to different plants. Common names have too much variation based on location and can cause confusion as the same name might describe different plants, or different names describe the same plant.

The Greek philosopher Theophrastus, around 300 B.C.E., grouped plants based on which of the following characteristics in his text "Historia Plantarum"? A. Genetic makeup and chromosomal count B. Life span, growth habit, and retention of leaves C. Reproductive structures and flower morphology D. Geographic origin and soil requirements

B. Life span, growth habit, and retention of leaves. Theophrastus grouped plants based on life span, growth habit, retention of leaves, and other traits.

A plant that completes its entire life cycle from seed to seed in one year is categorized as a(n) __.

Annual. Annuals are plants that complete their life cycle from seed to seed in one year.

Which of the following plants would be botanically classified as a fruit, even though it is often considered a vegetable culinarily? A. Carrot B. Strawberry C. Tomato D. Lettuce

C. Tomato. The strict botanical definition of a fruit is a structure that develops from the ovary in a flower, making a tomato a fruit while a strawberry is not.

True or False: A woody plant, such as a tree or shrub, is characterized by its persistent vegetative structures.

True. Woody plants have persistent vegetative structures.

Plants that require all or part of two growing seasons, completing vegetative growth in the first year and flowering in the second, are known as __.

Biennials. Biennials require all or part of two growing seasons, with vegetative growth in the first year, followed by overwintering, and flowering in the second growing season.

What is the primary characteristic that distinguishes a herbaceous perennial from a woody plant? A. Herbaceous perennials shed their leaves annually. B. Herbaceous perennials do not produce flowers. C. Herbaceous perennials do not have woody structures and their vegetation does not persist. D. Herbaceous perennials require support for growth.

C. Herbaceous perennials do not have woody structures and their vegetation does not persist. Herbaceous perennials do not have woody structures and their vegetation does not persist, unlike woody plants.

The USDA hardiness zone map is primarily used to classify plants based on their adaptation to __.

Temperature. The USDA hardiness zone map is a classification based on environmental adaptation related to temperature.

A plant adapted to salty soil conditions is known as a(n) __.

Halophyte. Halophytes are adapted to salty conditions.

True or False: One of the advantages of the scientific classification system is its reliance on a "dead" language, Latin, which will not change.

True. The scientific classification system uses Latin, a "dead" language that will not change, which contributes to its common universal designation.

What is the name of the publication by Linnaeus in 1753 that described his new scientific classification system?

"Species Plantarum". "Species Plantarum" was published in 1753 by Linnaeus, describing his new classification system.

Linnaeus's system of classification is primarily based on what type of plant features? A. Features that vary with the age of the plant or environment. B. Stable morphological features, especially flowers. C. Common names and local uses. D. Genetic sequences and cellular structures.

B. Stable morphological features, especially flowers. Linnaeus's system is based on stable morphological features, especially flowers, to avoid features that can vary with age of the plant or the environment.

Which of the following taxonomic ranks is arranged based on genera that resemble each other and is separated by characteristics inherent in their reproductive structures? A. Order B. Family C. Class D. Species

B. Family. Families are arranged based on genera that resemble each other and are separated by characteristics inherent in their reproductive structures.

The name of a plant's Genus is always __.

Capitalized. The Genus name is always capitalized.

In the binomial name Acer rubrum, the specific epithet is __.

rubrum. In Acer rubrum, 'rubrum' is the specific epithet.

A cultivar is defined as a group of cultivated plants that show distinguishable characteristics and retain them when reproduced both sexually and asexually, existing through __.

Cultivation by man. Cultivars are groups of cultivated plants existing through cultivation by man.

What does the "X" typically indicate in a plant name like Forsythia X intermedia? A. It denotes an extinct species. B. It indicates a cultivated variety. C. It signifies an interspecific hybrid, a cross between two different species. D. It represents a plant that requires support to grow.

C. It signifies an interspecific hybrid, a cross between two different species. The "X" indicates that these plants result from a cross between two different species within the same genus.

True or False: The International Code of Botanical Nomenclature (ICBN) governs the assignment of plant names utilizing a formal system.

True. Nomenclature is the assignment of plant names utilizing a formal system, and the ICBN provides the rules and recommendations for this.

What are the two basic activities governed by the ICBN?

Naming new taxa and determining the correct name for previously named taxa. The ICBN governs naming new taxa and determining the correct name for previously named taxa (which may have been altered).

A name that violates one or more rules of the ICBN is considered __.

Illegitimate. Illegitimate names violate one or more rules of the ICBN.

According to the principles of plant nomenclature, botanical nomenclature is independent of which other nomenclatures? A. Zoological and Bacteriological nomenclature. B. Horticultural and Agricultural nomenclature. C. Common name and regional nomenclature. D. Ecological and Environmental nomenclature.

A. Zoological and Bacteriological nomenclature. One principle states that botanical nomenclature is independent of Zoological and Bacteriological nomenclature.

The fundamental principle of botanical nomenclature states that each taxon of a particular circumscription, position, and rank can have only one correct name, which is __.

The earliest in accordance with the rules. The fundamental principle states that each taxon can have only one correct name, the earliest in accordance with the rules.

True or False: Recommendations within the ICBN are strictly required for plant naming, whereas rules are optional guidelines.

False. Rules are required, while recommendations are not required.

Who is credited with first consistently using binomials in plant nomenclature?

Linnaeus. Linnaeus first consistently used binomials.

In the scientific name Quercus dumosa Nuttall, what does "Nuttall" represent? A. The specific epithet. B. The name of the collecting location. C. The author who first validly published the name. D. The common name of the plant.

C. The author who first validly published the name. Nuttall is the author who first validly published the name.

Which disadvantage of common names is exemplified by "hemlock" referring to more than one taxon? A. Lack of universality. B. Inconsistency, as one common name may refer to more than one taxon. C. Inability to tell rank. D. Absence for many organisms.

B. Inconsistency, as one common name may refer to more than one taxon. This is an example of common names being inconsistent because one common name may refer to more than one taxon.

In the hierarchical classification system, what is defined as the placement of a taxon as a member of a taxon of the next higher rank?

Position. Position is placement as a member of a taxon of the next higher rank.

The major rank ending for an Order in plant classification is __.

-ales. The major rank ending for an Order is -ales, as seen in Asterales.

Which of the following alternate family names corresponds to Asteraceae? A. Umbelliferae B. Palmae C. Compositae D. Leguminosae

C. Compositae. Asteraceae is an alternate family name for Compositae.

Asteraceae is the currently accepted name for the family that includes daisies, sunflowers, asters, and dandelions. Compositae is the traditional and still widely recognized alternate family name for Asteraceae.

Umbelliferae is the alternate name for Apiaceae (the carrot family).

Palmae is the alternate name for Arecaceae (the palm family).

Leguminosae is the alternate name for Fabaceae (the pea or bean family).

A trinomial name, such as Toxicodendron radicans ssp. diversilobum, is used to designate a subspecies or a __.

Variety. A trinomial is a subspecies or variety name.

The name of the person(s) who first validly published a plant name is referred to as the __.

Authorship. Authorship is the name of the person who first validly published the name.

True or False: Holotype, Isotype, Lectotype, and Neotype are all types of nomenclature specimens associated with a plant name.

True. These are all types of specimens that are permanently associated with a name and serve as nomenclatural types.

What is the "primary specimen upon which a name is based, designated at the time of publication"?

Holotype. The holotype is the primary specimen upon which a name is based, designated at the time of publication.

The principle of botanical nomenclature stating that the name published first is the legitimate one is known as __.

Priority of publication. Priority of publication means the name published first is the legitimate one.

The original (now rejected) name, part of which (the epithet) has been used in a new combination, is called a(n) __.

Basionym. A basionym is the original (now rejected) name, part of which (the epithet) has been used in a new combination.

When a name is changed and the author(s) of the basionym are retained, their names are typically placed in __.

Parentheses. The author(s) of the basionym are retained in parentheses when their epithet is used in a new combination.

What type of name is automatically created for infrafamilial, infrageneric, and infraspecific taxa when they are divided, and has no authors?

Autonym. Autonyms are automatically created names for these taxa when divided and have no authors.

Autonyms are established under the International Code of Nomenclature for algae, fungi, and plants (ICN). They essentially "repeat unaltered" the name of the higher-ranked taxon when a division is made.

For example:

• If a species Poa secunda is divided into subspecies, and one of the new subspecies is named Poa secunda subsp. juncifolia, then the autonym Poa secunda subsp. secunda is automatically created to accommodate the part of the species that includes the type specimen of Poa secunda.

• Similarly, if a genus Rubus is divided into subgenera, and one is named Rubus subgenus Idaeobatus, then the autonym Rubus subgenus Rubus is automatically established.

Autonyms are important for maintaining nomenclatural stability and indicating which part of the divided taxon contains the original type.

Which of the following is NOT a main criterion for valid publication of a plant name? A. The name must be effectively published. B. The name must be published with a vernacular description only. C. The name must be published in the correct form, properly Latinized. D. A nomenclatural type must be indicated for genus and below.

B. The name must be published with a vernacular description only. Valid publication requires a Latin description or diagnosis (or a reference to one), not just a vernacular description.

A rejected name, typically indicated in brackets (e.g., Malosma laurina Abrams [Rhus laurina Nutt.]), is referred to as a(n) __.

Synonym. A synonym is a rejected name.

True or False: A legitimate name is always considered the correct name for a taxon.

False. A name can be legitimate (in accordance with rules) but not correct if there are multiple legitimate alternative names, and only one can be accepted as correct by a particular author or authors in a given work.

What term describes a binomial in which the genus and specific epithets are identical in spelling (e.g., Helianthus helianthus), which is not permitted?

Tautonym. A tautonym is a binomial in which the genus and specific epithets are identical in spelling and are not permitted.

The abbreviation "cf." used in plant nomenclature stands for __, meaning "compare."

confer. "cf." stands for confer, meaning "compare."

In Latin plant names, many classical trees are feminine regardless of their ending. Which of the following is an example provided? A. Eriogonum B. Crassula C. Quercus alba D. Amaranthus

C. Quercus alba. Quercus alba is given as an example of a classical tree that is feminine regardless of ending.

What Latin ending is typically used for masculine gender names?

-us. The masculine ending is -us, as in Amaranthus.

How many syllables are typically counted in a scientific name? A. The number of consonants. B. The number of vowels and diphthongs. C. The number of letters. D. Two, for genus and species.

B. The number of vowels and diphthongs. The number of syllables in a scientific name is the number of vowels and diphthongs.

Which of the following is a key characteristic of the Binomial System? A. It frequently uses common names for clarity. B. It allows for significant variation based on local climate. C. It avoids confusion that can arise when using common names. D. It was developed in the 20th century.

C. It avoids confusion that can arise when using common names. The binomial system avoids confusion that can arise when using common names.

Plants that shed their leaves for part of the year are classified as __.

Deciduous. Deciduous plants shed leaves for part of the year.

Plants that are tolerant of low temperatures are generally described as __.

Hardy. Hardy plants are tolerant of low temperatures.

What type of plant requires very little water?

Xerophytes. Xerophytes require very little water.

If a plant is categorized as a "nursery crop," it falls under which main classification based on usage? A. Edible plants B. Medicinal plants C. Industrial plants D. Ornamental uses

D. Ornamental uses. Nursery crops like trees and shrubs are part of ornamental uses.

True or False: The classification of a plant as an annual or perennial can vary depending on the geographic region where it is grown.

True. What is grown as an annual in one region is classified as a perennial elsewhere, indicating variability based on location.

The scientific classification system incorporates the concept of evolution, implying that plants with similar features share a __.

Common ancestor. Linnaeus' scientific classification system incorporates the concept of evolution, meaning plants with similar features share a common ancestor.

The major rank ending for a Subfamily is __.

-oideae. The major rank ending for a Subfamily is -oideae, as in Asteroideae.

What is the major rank ending for a Tribe?

-eae. The major rank ending for a Tribe is -eae, as in Heliantheae.

The specific epithet in a scientific name is always written in __.

Lower case. The species (specific epithet) is always written in lower case.

True or False: In a botanical variety, like Gleditsia tracanthos var. inermis, the differences displayed are inheritable and reproduced true to type in future generations.

True. Varieties display differences in nature that are inheritable and reproduced true to type in future generations.

Which important distinction in horticulture refers to a group of cultivated plants that show distinguishable characteristics and retain them when reproduced?

Cultivar. The cultivar is the most important distinction in horticulture, referring to a group of cultivated plants that show distinguishable characteristics and retain them when reproduced sexually and asexually.

X Cupressocyparis leylandii is an example of a hybrid cultivar resulting from intercrossing two different __.

Species. It is a hybrid between C. macrocarpa and Chamaecyparis nootakatensis, which are two different species.

The abbreviation "(L.)" after a species name like Prunus persica (L.) Batsch indicates the __.

Authority. (L.) indicates the "authority," the individual who first named this species, which is Linnaeus.

What is the specific epithet for the botanical variety Juniperus communis var. depressa?

depressa. depressa is the specific epithet for the botanical variety Juniperus communis var. depressa.

What does the term "nomenclature" refer to in the context of plant science?

Assignment of plant names utilizing a formal system. Nomenclature is defined as the assignment of plant names utilizing a formal system.

The International Botanical Congress last met in Vienna, Austria, in what year?

2005. The International Botanical Congress was last held in Vienna, Austria in July 2005.

Which principle of plant nomenclature states that scientific names are treated as Latin? A. Principle 1 B. Principle 3 C. Principle 5 D. Principle 6

C. Principle 5. Principle 5 states that scientific names are treated as Latin.

What common name is given as an example of having too much variation based on location, being known as Jonquils, Daffodils, or Buttercups?

Jonquils (or Daffodils or Buttercups). "Jonquils – Daffodils – Buttercups" are an example of common names with too much variation based on location.

True or False: A botanical variety and a cultivar are essentially the same concept and can be used interchangeably.

False. While both represent variations, botanical varieties display differences in nature that are inheritable and reproduce true to type, whereas cultivars are groups of cultivated plants existing through cultivation by man that maintain their identity.

What is the primary characteristic used to separate different plant families? A. Growth habit B. Reproductive structures C. Leaf color D. Root depth

B. Reproductive structures. Families are separated by characteristics inherent in their reproductive structures.

What does the abbreviation "sp. nov." signify when used in conjunction with a plant name?

Species novum (new species). "sp. nov." stands for species novum, indicating a new species.

If a genus name is Rosa, what would be an example of a species name within that genus, according to typical binomial nomenclature conventions? A. Rosa Gallica B. rosa gallica C. Rosa gallica D. rosa Gallica

C. Rosa gallica. The Genus is capitalized (Rosa), and the specific epithet is in lower case (gallica), and the entire species name is italicized (or underlined), forming Rosa gallica.

What are "Nomina familiarum conservanda" and "Nomina generica conservanda et rejicienda" related to in the context of priority of publication?

Exceptions to the priority rule. These refer to conserved family and generic names, which are exceptions to the strict priority of publication rule.

If Sedum variegata Wats. was transferred to the genus Dudleya by Moran, becoming Dudleya variegata (Wats.) Moran, what is Sedum variegata Wats. called in this context?

Basionym. Sedum variegata Wats. is the original (now rejected) name whose epithet was used in the new combination, making it the basionym.

True or False: Autonyms are assigned based on the discretion of the botanist making the division, rather than priority of publication.

False. Autonyms are assigned based on priority of publication.

• Autonyms are NOT based on discretion: A botanist doesn't choose to create an autonym. The creation of an autonym is a mandatory consequence of making a division. If you divide a species X. alba into X. alba subsp. rubra and X. alba subsp. flava, the autonym X. alba subsp. alba is automatically established by the rules of the ICN to represent the part of the original species that includes its type specimen. The botanist has no discretion in this.

• Autonyms ARE related to priority of publication (indirectly): The existence of the autonym is linked to the priority of the original species name (or the original higher-rank name). The autonym uses the exact same epithet as the original name of the higher rank it is subdividing. So, if X. alba was published first, the autonym X. alba subsp. alba is directly tied to that priority. You can't have an autonym based on a later synonym.

The rule that requires a Latin description or diagnosis (or a reference to one) for valid publication is primarily for what purpose? A. To ensure the name sounds traditional. B. To provide a universal, unambiguous description of the new taxon. C. To limit the number of new publications. D. To make names harder to pronounce.

B. To provide a universal, unambiguous description of the new taxon. A Latin description or diagnosis is required to ensure a universal, unambiguous understanding and identification of the new taxon.

The term "Homonym" is defined as a synonym that is __.

Identical to an accepted, correct name. A homonym is a synonym that is identical to an accepted, correct name (though typically from a different code, like botanical vs. zoological).

What does the abbreviation "in" signify in an author citation like Arabis sparsiflora Nutt. in T. & G.?

"in the publication of". It indicates that Nuttall's name for Arabis sparsiflora was published in the work of T. & G.

What does the abbreviation "ex" signify in an author citation like Microseris elegans Greene ex A. Gray?

"validly published by". It means Greene provided the name, but A. Gray was the one who validly published it.

What is the exception to Latin gender endings for plant names? A. All names ending in '-a' are masculine. B. Many classical trees are feminine, regardless of ending. C. Names ending in '-um' can be feminine. D. Only plant names of European origin follow strict gender rules.

B. Many classical trees are feminine, regardless of ending. Many classical trees are feminine regardless of their ending, giving Quercus alba and Pinus ponderosa as examples.

Names of which taxonomic ranks are always Latin plurals? A. Species and Genus B. Variety and Subspecies C. Families and above D. Order and Class

C. Families and above. Names of families and above are Latin plurals, such as "The Rosaceae are…".

Which of the following is a Latin diphthong? A. -oë B. -oi C. -ae D. -io

C. -ae. The following are listed as Latin dipthongs: -ae, -ei, -oe, -eu, -au, -ui

True or False: There are universal rules for the pronunciation of Latin plant names, followed uniformly across all regions.

False. There are no universal rules, and pronunciation varies from region to region.

What happens to the rules and regulations of the International Code of Botanical Nomenclature (ICBN) over time? A. They are only applied to newly discovered species. B. They are retroactive. C. They are regularly updated but not applied to past names. D. They become recommendations after a certain period.

B. They are retroactive. Principle 6 states that the rules and regulations of the International Code of Botanical Nomenclature are retroactive.

Which type of plant is defined as never being without leaves, even though they still shed leaves or needles after new organs are formed?

Evergreens. Evergreens are plants that are never without leaves.

What is the distinction between the botanical definition of a fruit and a culinary definition, using strawberries as an example?

Botanically, a fruit is a structure that develops from the ovary in a flower; culinarily, a strawberry is often called a fruit but botanically, it does not strictly fit this definition, unlike a tomato. A tomato being a botanical fruit and a strawberry not.

Which classification method is described as varying based on location, climate, and cultural practices, making it unsuitable for universal classification?

Classification based on growth habit or physiological characteristics. Plant growth based on characteristics like herbaceous, annual, perennial, evergreen, or deciduous varies based on location, climate, and cultural practices, making this system problematic.

What is the common name example given for Native Azalea that caused confusion due to variation?

Common Honey Suckle. "Native Azalea – Common Honey Suckle" is listed as an example of common name variation and confusion.

True or False: The binomial nomenclature system was developed in the 16th century.

False. It was developed by Carl Linnaeus, an 18th-century botanist.

The concept of evolution, implying shared common ancestry among plants with similar features, is incorporated into which classification system?

Linnaeus' scientific classification system. Linnaeus' system incorporates the concept of evolution, where plants with similar features share a common ancestor.

What is the Latin suffix used for Family names?

..aceae. Family names always end in ..aceae.

Which of the following is an example of a Genus? A. Rosaceae B. rubrum C. Ulmus D. palmatum

C. Ulmus. Ulmus is given as an example of a Genus, alongside Rosa and Acer.

A plant that is unable to survive low temperatures is generally described as __.

Tender. Tender plants are unable to survive low temperatures.

What is the definition of "position" in plant classification, as distinct from "rank"?

Placement as a member of a taxon of the next higher rank. Position refers to a taxon's placement as a member of the next higher rank, while rank is the hierarchical level itself.

When a genus is split into two subgenera, such as Ceanothus split into Subgenus Ceanothus and subgenus Cerastes, what type of name is Subgenus Ceanothus?

Autonym. Subgenus Ceanothus is an autonym created automatically when the genus was divided.

How are commemoratives named after a person or place typically pronounced? A. Always with a standard Latin pronunciation. B. As they would be pronounced in Latin or as the person or place would be pronounced in the native language. C. Based on the number of syllables only. D. With a silent first letter.

B. As they would be pronounced in Latin or as the person or place would be pronounced in the native language. These are two ways of pronouncing commemorative names.

What is the major rank ending for a Subtribe?

-inae. The major rank ending for a Subtribe is -inae, as in Helianthinae.

Which family has an alternative name of "Compositae"?

Asteraceae. Asteraceae is an alternative family name for Compositae.

Which of the following names is an example of a trinomial? A. Acer rubrum B. Hibiscus syriacus C. Juniperus communis var. depressa D. Forsythia X intermedia

C. Juniperus communis var. depressa. A trinomial is a subspecies or variety name, and Juniperus communis var. depressa is an example of a botanical variety.

True or False: The application of botanical names is determined by means of nomenclatural types.

True. One of the principles of plant nomenclature states that the application of botanical names is determined by means of nomenclatural types.