WAEC 2018 Biology · Question 26

The scientist who introduced binomial nomenclature in the classification of organisms was

Options

  1. A.Charles Darwin
  2. B.Carolus Linnaeus
  3. C.John Ray
  4. D.Louis Pasteur

Answer: B. Carolus Linnaeus

Explanation written with AI and checked against the answer key

Step 1: Analyze the question The question asks who introduced binomial nomenclature, the system of giving each organism a two-part scientific name.

Step 2: Explain the concept Binomial nomenclature names every species with two Latin words:

  • The first is the genus (capitalized).
  • The second is the species (lowercase).

Examples: Homo sapiens (humans), Zea mays (maize), Mangifera indica (mango).

Step 3: Evaluate the options

  • A. Charles Darwin: He proposed the theory of evolution by natural selection, not a naming system.
  • B. Carolus Linnaeus: This Swedish botanist consistently used binomial nomenclature in his works, especially Species Plantarum (1753). He is known as the "Father of Taxonomy."
  • C. John Ray: He was an English naturalist who developed the concept of the species and made early contributions to classification, but he did not introduce the two-name system.
  • D. Louis Pasteur: He is known for work in microbiology, pasteurization, and vaccines.

Step 4: Answer The correct answer is **B.

Tip: Link Linnaeus with Label: he gave every organism a two-part "label." Also remember that Darwin = evolution, Pasteur = germs and pasteurization, Ray = species concept.

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