Course Syllabus
Click to Expand: Plant Systematics (BOT-H-CC2-2-Th) Syllabus
Semester 2 (DSC/Core)
BOT-H-CC2-2-Th – Plant Systematics – 75 Marks / 3 Credits
1. Introduction
- 1.1 Components of Systematics: Nomenclature, Identification, Classification.
- 1.2 Taxonomy and its phases – Pioneer, Consolidation, Biosystematic and Encyclopaedic; alpha and omega taxonomy.
- 1.3 Nomenclature: Type method, Publication, Rank of taxa, Rules of priority, Retention and rejection of names, Author Citation, Effective and valid publication, Elementary knowledge of ICN - Principles. (10 lectures)
2. Systems of Classification
- 2.1 Broad outline of Bentham & Hooker (1862-1883) and Takhtajan (1997) – systems of classification with merits and demerits. Brief idea of angiosperm phylogeny group (APG IV classification).
- 2.2 Systematics in Practice: Herbaria and Botanic Gardens – their role in teaching and research.
- 2.3 Dichotomous keys – indented and bracketed.
- 2.4 Brief idea on Phenetics and cladistics: Monophyletic, polyphyletic and paraphyletic groups; Plesiomorphy and apomorphy.
- 2.5 Numerical taxonomy – methods and significance.
- 2.6 Data sources in Taxonomy: Supportive evidences from Phytochemistry, Cytology, Palynology and Molecular biology data (Protein and Nucleic acid homology). (20 lectures)
3. Systematic Study of Angiosperm Taxa
- Diagnostic features, systematic position (Bentham & Hooker) and economically important plants (parts used and uses) of the following families:
- 3.1 Monocotyledons: Alismataceae, Gramineae (Poaceae), Cyperaceae, Palmae (Arecaceae), Liliaceae, Musaceae, Zingiberaceae, Cannaceae, Orchidaceae.
- 3.2 Dicotyledons: Nymphaeaceae, Magnoliaceae, Ranunculaceae, Leguminosae (subfamilies), Euphorbiaceae, Malvaceae, Umbelliferae (Apiaceae), Labiatae (Lamiaceae), Cruciferae (Brassicaceae), Solanaceae, Scrophulariaceae, Acanthaceae, Rubiaceae, Cucurbitaceae, Compositae (Asteraceae). (15 lectures)
Previous Year Questions
2025
BOTANY — HONOURS
Paper : DSCC-2
(Plant Systematics)
Full Marks : 75
1. Answer any six of the following questions:
2 × 6
(a) Write the full form of I.A.P.T and O.T.U. (1+1)
(b) What is Tautonym? Cite an example. (1+1)
(c) Define flora. Cite an example. (1+1)
(d) Name the type genus of the family Orchidaceae and Labiatae. (1+1)
(e) State the nature of stipules in Malvaceae and Rubiaceae. (1+1)
(f) What is Omega taxonomy? (2)
(g) Define homonym. Cite an example. (2)
(h) What is Pollinia? (2)
(i) What is double citation? Give example. (2)
2. Answer briefly any three of the following questions:
5 × 3
(a) Mention the role of botanic garden in research and conservation of plants. (5)
(b) Write a short note on the economic importance of Palmae. (5)
(c) Write the role of phytochemistry in Taxonomy. (5)
(d) Define nomenclatural type. What is the limitation of type concept? (4+1)
(e) Comment on advanced characters of the family Compositae. (5)
3. Answer any four of the following questions:
12 × 4
(a) Describe the classification system proposed by Takhtajan in 1997. Mention the merits and demerits of the system. (6+3+3)
(b) Compare the inflorescence and floral characters between the families Labiatae and Acanthaceae. Mention their economic importance. (6+3+3)
(c) Mention the name of the family where the following structures are found. Mention one medicinal plant of each family and their uses: (3×4)
(i) Cremocarp,
(ii) Regma Fruit,
(iii) Aquatic family with Apocarpous ovary,
(iv) Interpetiolar stipule.
(i) Cremocarp,
(ii) Regma Fruit,
(iii) Aquatic family with Apocarpous ovary,
(iv) Interpetiolar stipule.
(d) What is effective publication? State any five conditions for valid publication of a name of a taxon. Define rules of priority with suitable examples. What is Paratype? (2+5+3+2)
(e) Distinguish between: (3×4)
(i) Gynostegium and Gynostemium,
(ii) Monophyly and Polyphyly,
(iii) Homonym and Synonym,
(iv) Indented key and Bracketed key.
(i) Gynostegium and Gynostemium,
(ii) Monophyly and Polyphyly,
(iii) Homonym and Synonym,
(iv) Indented key and Bracketed key.
(f) Point out the basis and principles of artificial, natural and phylogenetic system of classification. What is APG IV classification? (9+3)
2024
BOTANY — HONOURS
Paper : DSCC-2
(Plant Systematics)
Full Marks : 75
1. Answer any six of the following questions:
2 × 6
(a) What is 'Alpha taxonomy'?
(b) What is 'nomen nudum'?
(c) Define syntype and neotype.
(d) Distinguish between Polyphyletic and Paraphyletic group.
(e) Define with examples Basionym and Autonym.
(f) Give a labelled diagram of inflorescence of the family Poaceae.
(g) What is labellum?
(h) Define acronym. Give two examples.
(i) What do you mean by 'Author Citation'?
2. Answer briefly any three of the following questions:
5 × 3
(a) What do you mean by 'Effective' and 'Valid' Publication?
(b) Write the role of Cytology in solving taxonomic problems.
(c) Write the differences between Indented Key and Bracketed Key used in angiosperm taxonomy.
(d) Write down the Principles of ICN.
(e) What are the diagnostic features of the family Malvaceae?
3. Answer any four of the following questions:
12 × 4
(a) Give a broad outline of Classification proposed by Q. Bentham and J. D. Hooker (1862-1883) up to series and mention two merits and two demerits. (8+2+2)
(b) Compare the floral characters of the subfamilies of Leguminosae and write scientific names of timber yielding plants. Mention primitive features of Magnoliaceae. (4+3+3+2)
(c) Describe the androecium of families Musaceae, Zingiberaceae and Cannaceae. Describe advanced characters and economically important plants of Orchidaceae. (6+4+2)
(d) What is Numerical taxonomy? What is OTU? Write applications, merits and demerits of Numerical taxonomy. (2+2+4+2+2)
(e) Distinguish between: (4×3)
(i) Plesiomorphy and Apomorphy,
(ii) Phenogram and Cladogram,
(iii) Flowers of Solanaceae and Scrophulariaceae.
(i) Plesiomorphy and Apomorphy,
(ii) Phenogram and Cladogram,
(iii) Flowers of Solanaceae and Scrophulariaceae.
(f) What is nomenclatural type? Distinguish Holotype/Lectotype. Discuss two reasons for rejection of scientific name with examples. (2+4+4+2)
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