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Why is a polynomial (descriptive, multi-word) naming system considered less practical than the binomial system for modern taxonomy?

  • A Binomial names cannot be standardised across different countries
  • B Polynomial systems could be applied mainly to plants, rarely animals
  • C Polynomial names were shorter, making species harder to tell apart
  • D Polynomial names grew long and inconsistent as more species were described

Correct answer: D. Polynomial names grew long and inconsistent as more species were described

Explanation: Before Linnaeus, species were named with long descriptive Latin phrases that grew unwieldy as more species were discovered; the two-part binomial system standardised and simplified naming.

Concept context

Biodiversity, taxonomy, binomial nomenclature, the taxonomic hierarchy, and taxonomic aids like herbaria and botanical gardens. The foundational first chapter of NCERT Biology.

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