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UPSC MainsBOTANY-PAPER-I201212 Marks150 Words
Q8.

Write the botanical names and the families to which the following plants belong : (i) Flax (ii) Guar (iii) Date Palm (iv) Cocaine (v) Ginseng (vi) Any timber plant

How to Approach

This question tests the candidate’s knowledge of plant taxonomy and their ability to recall botanical names and families. A direct and concise answer is expected. The approach should be to list each plant with its corresponding botanical name (genus and species) and family. Accuracy is paramount. No elaborate explanation is needed, just the correct identification. Focus on recalling the scientific nomenclature accurately.

Model Answer

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Introduction

Plant taxonomy, the science of naming, describing and classifying plants, is fundamental to botany. Accurate identification of plants relies on the binomial nomenclature system developed by Carl Linnaeus, where each plant is assigned a genus and species name. Understanding the family to which a plant belongs provides insights into its evolutionary relationships and shared characteristics. This answer will provide the botanical names and families for the specified plants.

Botanical Names and Families

Here's a list of the plants, their botanical names, and the families they belong to:

  1. Flax: Linum usitatissimum, Family: Linaceae
  2. Guar: Cyamopsis tetragonoloba, Family: Fabaceae (Leguminosae)
  3. Date Palm: Phoenix dactylifera, Family: Arecaceae (Palmae)
  4. Cocaine: Erythroxylum coca, Family: Erythroxylaceae
  5. Ginseng: Panax ginseng, Family: Araliaceae
  6. Teak (Timber Plant): Tectona grandis, Family: Lamiaceae (Verbenaceae) – *Note: Family classification can sometimes vary based on modern phylogenetic studies.*

Detailed Breakdown

  • Linaceae (Flax Family): Characterized by its five-petaled flowers and capsule fruits. Flax is cultivated for its fibers used in linen production.
  • Fabaceae (Legume Family): A large and economically important family, known for its nitrogen-fixing abilities and edible seeds. Guar is used as a thickening agent and in animal feed.
  • Arecaceae (Palm Family): Distinguished by its unbranched stems and large, compound leaves. Date palms are cultivated for their sweet fruits.
  • Erythroxylaceae (Cocaine Family): A small family of tropical trees and shrubs. Cocaine is derived from the leaves of Erythroxylum coca.
  • Araliaceae (Ginseng Family): Characterized by its compound leaves and often woody stems. Ginseng is valued for its medicinal properties.
  • Lamiaceae (Mint Family): A large family of aromatic herbs and shrubs. Teak is a valuable hardwood timber known for its durability and resistance to decay.

It is important to note that taxonomic classifications can be subject to change as new phylogenetic data becomes available. The families listed above represent the currently accepted classifications as of my knowledge cutoff (early 2023).

Conclusion

In conclusion, accurately identifying plants with their botanical names and families is crucial in botanical studies. The provided list details the scientific nomenclature for flax, guar, date palm, cocaine, ginseng, and teak, along with their respective families. Understanding these classifications aids in comprehending plant relationships and their economic and ecological significance. Continued research in plant taxonomy ensures a dynamic and evolving understanding of the plant kingdom.

Answer Length

This is a comprehensive model answer for learning purposes and may exceed the word limit. In the exam, always adhere to the prescribed word count.

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Additional Resources

Key Definitions

Binomial Nomenclature
The system of naming organisms with two terms: the genus and the species. Developed by Carl Linnaeus, it provides a unique and universally recognized name for each organism.
Phylogenetic Classification
A system of classification based on evolutionary relationships, determined through genetic and morphological data. Modern taxonomy increasingly relies on phylogenetic analysis.

Key Statistics

There are approximately 391,000 known species of vascular plants as of 2023.

Source: Plants of the World Online (POWO), Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew (as of knowledge cutoff)

Approximately 15% of known plant species are considered threatened with extinction according to the IUCN Red List (as of knowledge cutoff).

Source: IUCN Red List of Threatened Species

Examples

Medicinal Plant Taxonomy

Accurate taxonomic identification is vital in the pharmaceutical industry. Misidentification of medicinal plants can lead to ineffective or even harmful treatments. For example, different species within the <em>Artemisia</em> genus have varying levels of artemisinin, a key antimalarial compound.

Frequently Asked Questions

▶Why are botanical names important?

Botanical names provide a universal language for scientists, avoiding confusion caused by common names which can vary regionally. They also reflect evolutionary relationships between plants.

Topics Covered

BotanyTaxonomyNomenclatureClassificationPlant Identification
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