Question

Why was Latin chosen as the language for binomial nomenclature?

• A. Rules of nomenclature were framed by Italian scientists and they spoke Latin
• B. It is very difficult to pronounce Latin names and they convey multiple meanings
• C. Latin was the natural language of many European countries
• D. Latin was a dead language

Answer 1

The correct option is D Latin was a dead language

Linnaeus and other scientists used Latin because it is a dead language. It is helpful to be able to understand the source of scientific names.

Although the Latin names do not always correspond to the current English common names, it’s words would convey precise meanings.

It was the mother of all European languages and the early botanical literature was in Latin.