Biological Nomenclature Quiz

What is the purpose of the binomial nomenclature system?

• To provide a consistent way to name species

• To avoid confusion that can occur when using common names

• To ensure that each species has a different and unique name

• All of the above

Why is it not advisable to use common names in scientific documents?

• Same species can have different common names

• Same names can refer to more than one species

• Common names are not standardized for organisms

• All of the above

Why are scientific names written in Latin form?

• All of the above

• To create a common understanding

• To serve as an international language

• To be specific and exact in meaning

What is the purpose of typification in biological nomenclature?

• To designate a nomenclatural type for a taxon

• To create confusion in naming

• To prioritize names based on publication date

• To change scientific names

What is the abbreviation used to indicate an unspecified subspecies?

• ssp.

• spp.

• cf.

• sspp.

What is the chief aim of the International Code of Botanical Nomenclature (ICBN)?

• To change scientific names

• To ensure each plant taxon has only one name

• To create confusion in naming

• To prioritize names based on publication date

What is the abbreviation used to indicate 'several species'?

• cf.

• sspp.

• ssp.

• spp.

What is the purpose of the Operative Principles of Nomenclature?

• To avoid ambiguity or confusion in naming

• To change scientific names

• To ensure names are published in works

• To designate a nomenclatural type for a taxon

What is the abbreviation 'cf.' used for in scientific naming?

• To indicate a name change

• To indicate an unspecified subspecies

• To indicate a similar species

• To indicate several species

What is the purpose of giving names to organisms?

• To create confusion

• To act as a vehicle of communication

• To use vernacular names

• To avoid using scientific names