Question

The scientific name of banyan is written as Ficus bengalensis L. Which of the following statements is correct regarding this?

• A. Letter L signifies the taxonomist Linnaeus
• B. bengalensis is generic name
• C. Letter L signifies Latin language
• D. The name should be written in reverse order with bengalensis preceding Ficus

Answer 1

The correct option is A Letter L signifies the taxonomist Linnaeus

Binomial nomeclature is the system of providing organsims wih appropriate and distinct names consisting of two words, first generic and second specific.

The first generic begins with capital letter. The second word or specific epithet begins with small letter. After generic and species, a letter like L is added which signifies the person who discovered the organism.

For example: Ficus bengalensis L. Ficus is the generic name, bengalensis is the species name while L signifies Linnaeus.