Choose the correct answer from the options given below:

1. A-I, B-II, C-IV, D-III
2. A-III, B-IV, C-I, D-II
3. A-II, B-I, C-III, D-IV
4. A-IV, B-III, C-II, D-I

   The correct matching for Q.52 is A-III, B-IV, C-I, D-II.

   Detailed Matching Explanation

   A. Hedysarum cornutum L. 1763 (=) Hedysarum spinosum L. 1759 → III. Nomenclatural synonym: The “=” indicates nomenclatural synonyms—different names for the same taxon. H. spinosum (1759, earlier) is the senior synonym; H. cornutum (1763) is illegitimate as a later homotypic synonym under ICN Art. 11.1, 52.​

   B. Acacia nilotica ssp. nilotica → IV. Autonym: An autonym is automatically created when a subspecies is named under a species; the subspecies bearing the species epithet (ssp. nilotica under A. nilotica) is the autonym (ICN Art. H.6). No separate publication needed.

   C. Malus malus → I. Tautonym: A tautonym has identical genus and species epithets (genus + species = same word), forbidden in ICN Art. 23.4 for vascular plants (e.g., Musa malus would be valid, but Malus malus invalid).

   D. Salix aurita × Salix caprea → II. Nothospecies: Hybrid taxa between species get “×” notation and “nothotaxon” status (ICN H.3); Salix aurita × caprea names a hybrid willow species, validly published as such.

   Incorrect Options Explained

   A-I, B-II, C-IV, D-III: Wrong—Synonyms aren’t tautonyms; autonyms ≠ nothospecies; Malus malus isn’t autonym.

   A-III, B-IV, C-I, D-II: Correct—Matches ICN definitions precisely.

   A-II, B-I, C-III, D-IV: Wrong—Hedysarum pair aren’t hybrids; Acacia ssp. nilotica isn’t tautonym.

   A-IV, B-III, C-II, D-I: Wrong—Hedysarum not autonym; Malus malus not nothospecies.

   Introduction
   Match List I with List II tests botanical nomenclature: Hedysarum cornutum = H. spinosum (A-III: nomenclatural synonym), Acacia nilotica ssp. nilotica (B-IV: autonym), Malus malus (C-I: tautonym), Salix aurita × caprea (D-II: nothospecies). ICN Articles 11, 23, H.3, H.6 govern these.​

   Nomenclature Terms Defined

   Term	ICN Basis	Example from List
   Nomenclatural synonym	Art. 11, 52	A (= same taxon, different names)
   Autonym	H.6	B (ssp. repeats species name)
   Tautonym	Art. 23.4 (forbidden)	C (genus = species epithet)
   Nothospecies	H.3	D (× hybrid taxon)

   Key Rules Recap

   • Seniority: Earlier legitimate name (H. spinosum 1759) prevails.

   • Autonyms automatic: No authority citation needed.

   • Tautonyms banned in plants/animals (unlike fungi).

   • Hybrids: “×” before/after species or between parents.

   Exam Strategy

   Remember: “=” = synonym; “ssp. [species name]” = autonym; identical words = tautonym; “×” = nothospecies.​