Q.71 Binomial nomenclature has NOT yet been adopted for
(A) bacteria (B) fungi (C) viruses (D) protozoa
The correct answer is (C) viruses.
Binomial nomenclature, the two-word naming system (genus + species), applies to most living organisms but not universally to all biological entities listed. Viruses follow a distinct nomenclature system historically separate from standard Linnaean binomial rules used for cellular life forms.
Option Analysis
(A) Bacteria: Bacteria use binomial nomenclature under the International Code of Nomenclature of Prokaryotes (ICNP), formerly the Bacteriological Code. Examples include Escherichia coli.
(B) Fungi: Fungi follow the International Code of Nomenclature for algae, fungi, and plants (ICNafp). Names like Aspergillus niger exemplify this binomial system.
(C) Viruses (correct): Viruses are named by the International Committee on Taxonomy of Viruses (ICTV) using a unique code, traditionally not strict binomial (e.g., “Tobacco mosaic virus”). While ICTV mandated a binomial-like format in 2021 (e.g., Betacoronavirus pandemicum), it differs from codes for cellular organisms and was “not yet adopted” in older exam contexts like CSIR NET/NIPER.
(D) Protozoa: Protozoa, as heterotrophic protists, adhere to the International Code of Zoological Nomenclature (ICZN). Examples include Plasmodium falciparum.
Introduction: Binomial Nomenclature Not Adopted for Viruses – Key CSIR NET Insight
Binomial nomenclature not adopted for viruses remains a crucial topic in CSIR NET Life Sciences, testing knowledge of taxonomy codes. Developed by Carl Linnaeus, this system assigns genus-species names to organisms, but viruses use ICTV rules instead.
Taxonomy Codes Overview
Different groups follow specific codes ensuring stable naming:
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ICZN (Zoological): Covers protozoa (Plasmodium vivax).
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ICNafp (Botanical): Applies to fungi (Saccharomyces cerevisiae).
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ICNP (Prokaryotic): Governs bacteria (Bacillus subtilis).
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ICTV: Unique for viruses, shifting to binomial format post-2021 but historically distinct.
Why Viruses Differ
Viruses lack cellular structure, so ICTV prioritizes host, symptoms (e.g., “Human immunodeficiency virus”). Recent binomial shift (80%+ species renamed by 2023) does not retroactively align with “not yet adopted” in exam phrasing.
Exam Relevance
For CSIR NET, recognize viruses as the exception. Practice similar MCQs on codes to score in Unit 1 (Living World).
