Biology XI :1. Living World (1 Diversity in Living World and Rules)

Diversity in Living World and Rules of Binomial Nomenclature Characteristics of Living Things Living organisms can be defined as self-replicating, evolving, self-regulating interactive systems, capable of responding to external stimuli. Diversity in the Living World Biodiversity − Total number and types of organisms present on earth Number of known species − 1.7 − 1.8 million Nomenclature − Naming a particular organism by a standard name known all over the world Scientific Names Provided by The International Code for Botanical Nomenclature (ICBN) to plants and the International Code for Zoological Nomenclature (ICZN) to animals Follow the concept of binomial nomenclature Given by Carolus Linnaeus Rules of Binomial Nomenclature Biological Names Generally in Latin, Latinised or derived from Latin The first word represents genus while second component represents specific epithet. Both words when hand written − separately underlinedwhen printed − in italics The first word of generic name starts with a capital letter and specific epithet starts with a small letter.Example The name of author appears after specific epithet. Written in abbreviated formFor example: Mangifera indica Linn − described by Linnaeus Classification Process of grouping into convenient categories Based on some easily observable characters Helps in revealing the relationship between various organisms and making their study easy and organized Taxa Scientific term for categories Taxonomy Process of classification of living organisms into different taxa Systematics Study of systematic classification Word derived from Latin ‘Systema’ means systematic arrangement. Linnaeus used Systema Natureae as the title of his publication. Includes evolutionary relationships among organisms