Question

The name of a plant written on herbarium sheet is its (a) English name (b) Local name (c) Botanical name (d) All of these

Short answer

(c) Botanical name

Step-by-step solution

Identify what a herbarium sheet is

A herbarium sheet is a preserved plant specimen for scientific study. It's a primary source of data for the study of plant taxonomy and biodiversity.

Analyze the naming conventions

In the scientific community, plants are universally recognized by their botanical names, also known as Latin or scientific names. These names are used internationally, so professionals worldwide can know exactly which plant species is being referred to, avoiding any regional discrepancies.

Choose the correct option

Based on the fact that the botanical name is the universally applicable and internationally recognized name, it's the name likely be used on a herbarium sheet. Thus, the correct option is (c) Botanical name.

Key concepts

Botanical Names

Botanical names are the standardized scientific names given to plants and are recognized globally. These names help avoid confusion caused by regional or local names, which can vary widely. Botanical names consist of two parts: the genus and the species. For example, the botanical name for the common sunflower is *Helianthus annuus*, where *Helianthus* is the genus and *annuus* is the species.

• Genus: Represents a group of related species and is always capitalized.
• Species: Identifies the specific plant within the genus and is written in lowercase.

Using Latin or other classical languages ensures that botanical names are consistent worldwide.
They must follow specific rules and guidelines set by the International Code of Nomenclature for algae, fungi, and plants. This standardization helps scientists, horticulturists, and researchers communicate about plants efficiently.

Herbarium Sheet

A herbarium sheet is a critical tool in the field of study known as plant taxonomy. It is essentially a preserved plant specimen that individuals can study for scientific purposes. The plants are typically dried and pressed before being attached to a sheet of heavy paper.

• Each herbarium sheet contains valuable data such as the plant's location of collection, date, and habitat information.
• The sheet often includes the botanical name, ensuring precise identification.
• These sheets are filed systematically in herbaria, which are collections of preserved plant specimens.

Herbarium sheets serve numerous purposes by maintaining a record of plant biodiversity over time. They allow scientists to study plant evolution, geographical distribution, and ecological relationships without impacting the natural environment.

Biodiversity Study

Biodiversity study involves investigating the variety of life in a particular habitat or ecosystem. It focuses on understanding the different plant and animal species, their genetic differences, and the ecosystems they form. These studies are crucial because they help us comprehend the balance of ecosystems and the essential roles different species play.

• Supports conservation efforts by identifying species and habitats that need protection.
• Helps in understanding environmental changes and their impact on biodiversity.
• Provides insights into ecological relationships and evolutionary biology.

The use of botanical names and herbarium sheets plays a central role in biodiversity studies by providing accurate identification and historical data. Such documentation helps track changes in biodiversity over time and assists in the protection and conservation of species worldwide.