Question

The term taxonomy was coined by-
A. Linnaeus
B. De Candolle
C. Lamarck
D. Aristotle

Answer 1

Taxonomy is the branch of science that is primarily concerned with the identification, naming, description, and classification of organisms (living and extinct).

Complete answer:
Taxonomy is the branch of biology that classifies all the organisms. It is derived from the Greek word ‘Taxis’ which means arrangement and ‘nomos’ which means law. Carl Linnaeus or Carolus Linnaeus or Carl von Linne is called the Father of taxonomy because he developed the way of classification and naming of organisms that are still used widely today. Linnaeus gave the Binomial nomenclature and the taxonomic hierarchy which provides identification and naming to each and every organism.
Let us analyze the options to find the correct answer.
Option A: Linnaeus is called the Father of taxonomy because his way of classification is used widely. But he was not the first one to give a taxonomic classification. Therefore, this is an incorrect option.
Option B: De Candolle was the first person to give a taxonomic system and he introduced the term taxonomy. He was a Swiss Botanist that gave a classification system for plants and developed a taxonomic scheme for them. He coined the term taxonomy and therefore, this is the correct option.
Option C: Lamarck is known for coining the term Biology and for giving the Lamarck theory of evolution which states that acquired traits are inherited. Therefore, this is an incorrect option.
Option D: Aristotle is considered as the first father of biology and he was the first person to study biology systematically. Therefore, this is an incorrect option.

Hence, the correct answer is option (B)

Note: The taxonomic hierarchy given by Lamarck has eight ranks- Domain, Kingdom, Phylum(animals) or Division(plants), Class, Order, Family, Genus, and Species. Each rank is called taxon, which represents a group of organisms that are classified as units.