Question

Basic numerical characteristics of sexual parts were given emphasis in the classification system proposed by

• A. Theophrastus
• B. Michel Adanson
• C. Carolus Linnaeus
• D. John Hutchinson

Hint:

Linnaeus' classification system, based on reproductive features, is still foundational in modern taxonomy, and is used for naming and categorizing organisms.

Answer 1

The Correct Option is C

Step 1: The role of Carolus Linnaeus in classification.
Carolus Linnaeus is considered the father of modern taxonomy and is best known for developing a systematic classification system for plants and animals. He proposed grouping organisms based on their reproductive organs, such as the number and arrangement of stamens and pistils in plants. This was a significant departure from earlier methods that were less focused on reproductive features.
Step 2: Comparison with other classification systems.
While Theophrastus and Michel Adanson also contributed to plant classification, their systems were not as detailed in terms of sexual characteristics. Linnaeus emphasized these characteristics for more precise grouping. John Hutchinson also worked on plant classification but did not specifically highlight sexual characteristics as Linnaeus did.
Step 3: Conclusion.
Therefore, the correct answer is (3) Carolus Linnaeus, who revolutionized the classification system by focusing on the basic numerical characteristics of sexual parts.

Answer 2

This question is about which historical classification system was built specifically around the number and arrangement of a flower's reproductive (sexual) parts, such as stamens and pistils. Let's examine each option.

1. Theophrastus: Known as the "father of botany," his classification was largely based on plant habit and general form (trees, shrubs, herbs), not on the numerical details of floral reproductive parts.
2. Michel Adanson: Adanson proposed an early natural system of classification that tried to consider many characters together rather than singling out sexual characteristics as the primary basis.
3. Carolus Linnaeus: Linnaeus's "Sexual System" grouped plants into classes and orders based specifically on the number of stamens and pistils (and their arrangement) in the flower - a purely numerical, artificial system built around sexual parts.
4. John Hutchinson: Hutchinson's system was a later, natural classification based on a broad set of morphological and evolutionary characters, not centered on counting sexual parts.

Only Linnaeus's system was explicitly organized around the numerical characteristics of the sexual (reproductive) floral parts.

Therefore, the correct answer is Carolus Linnaeus.