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Classification and NamingClassification and Namingof
Plants and Especially Fungiof
Plants and Especially Fungi
Classification and NamingClassification and NamingTaxonomy: Classification and naming of organisms.
A very necessary discipline in biology.
“Those who spend their time putting living things into pigeonholes, a low but necessary form of scientific endeavor"
Christensen (1961)
Knowledge is important in our daily lives:
Golf clubs
Classification and NamingClassification and Naming
Driver
Iron
Putter
Knowledge is important in our daily lives:
Nails
Classification and NamingClassification and Naming
Knowledge is important in our daily lives:
Tires
Classification and NamingClassification and Naming
High PerformanceMud & Snow
All Season
Knowledge is important in our daily lives:
Eating utensils
Classification and NamingClassification and Naming
DessertRelishSaladDinnerCold CutsServing
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Thus, concept of taxonomy important.Scientific name of organism:
Consist of two parts, genusand specific epithet, e.g. homo sapien.BinomialEach species has only onevalid scientific name.
Classification and NamingClassification and NamingCommon namesCommon names are not used in biological research.
Why?Plantagomajor
Classification and NamingClassification and Naming
Common namesCommon names are not used in biological research.
Plantago major
Classification and NamingClassification and Naming
45 common names in English11 common names in French75 common names in Dutch
106 common names in German
Common namesCommon names are not used in biological research.
Misleading“Spanish Moss” common name for Ramalina menziesii and Tillandsia usneoides.
Classification and NamingClassification and Naming
Ramalina menziesii, is a lichen Tillandsia
usneioides is a flowering plant
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Common namesCommon names are not used in biological research.
MisleadingNeither species is “Spanish” nor a “moss”.
Classification and NamingClassification and NamingCommon name utilized by laypeople. First names used to identify plants.Taxonomy began as a necessity during Paleolithic (Stone) Age:
Poison vs edible plantsPsychoactive plants?
Classification and NamingClassification and Naming
With the beginning of agriculture, civilization began.
Common names used locally.Differed from community to community.Reason for large number of common names.
Classification and NamingClassification and Naming
Classified according to trees, shrubs and herbs, and flower and leaf characteristics.
Theophrastus (3rd Century B.C.): Earliest known attempt at classifying plants, scientifically. Classified 500 species of plants.
Classification and NamingClassification and Naming
Dioscorides (1st Century A.D.): Greek physicians.
Wrote De Materia Medica.Described and illustrated 600 species of plants.Between 200-1200 became sole source of medicinal information.Repeatedly copied and translated - herbals
Classification and NamingClassification and Naming
Dark (Middle) AgesAuthority and Revelation prevailed in Western cultures.Little original science or observations occurred during this period.Ancient works were repeatedly copied.
Classification and NamingClassification and Naming
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During 15th-17th Centuryproliferation of knowledge began.
Printing press.Invention of Microscope and telescope.Old knowledge questioned.Age of herbalist.
Classification and NamingClassification and NamingDuring 15th-17th Centuryproliferation of knowledge began.
Phrase names for plants.Binomial name began withGaspar Bauhin, 1623, inPinax theatri botanici.Concept of genus by Tournefort in 1700.
Classification and NamingClassification and Naming
During 15th-17th Centuryproliferation of knowledge began.
Modification of phrase names. Genus followed by short Latin description (12 words or less).
Classification and NamingClassification and NamingDuring 15th-17th Centuryproliferation of knowledge began.
Example of genus-phrase name:
Spearmint Plant was referred to as: Mentha floribus spicatis, foliis oblongis serratis. Not practical!
Classification and NamingClassification and Naming
During 15th-17th Centuryproliferation of knowledge began.
Example of genus-phrase name:
Before entire name was Latin phrase name.
Classification and NamingClassification and NamingDuring 15th-17th Centuryproliferation of knowledge began.
Linnean periodSuch advancements in botany set stage for Linnaeus.
Classification and NamingClassification and Naming
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Linnaeus’ contributions1753 published Species Plantarum.
Actually used genus-phrase name.In margin, next to corner = “short cut”.
Classification and NamingClassification and Naming
MENTHA.spicata. 2. MENTHA floribus spicatis, foliis oblongis serratis.
Hort. ups. 168.Mentha sylvestris, longioribus nigrioribus & minus in-canis foliis. Baub. Pin. 227.
piperata. 4. MENTHA floribus capitatis, foliis lanceolatis serratissubpetiolatis.Mentha spicis brevioribus & habitoribus, foliis menthaesuscae, sapore servido piperis. Raj. angl. 3. p. 234t. 10. f. 2.Habitat in Anglia.
Linnaeus’ contributions1753 published Species Plantarum.Contemporaries followed Linnaeus! Why?
Well known botanist.Popularized botany with SEX!
Classification and NamingClassification and Naming
"The actual petals of a flower contribute nothing to generation, serving only as the bridal bed which the great Creator has so gloriously prepared, adorned with such preciousbedcurtains, and perfumed with so many sweet scents in order that the bridegroom and bride may therein celebrate their nuptuals with the greater solemnity."
Linnaeus wrote on sexuality of plants:
Linnaeus’ contributionsWrote in metaphorical terms:
“Five husbands in the same marriage"."husbands live with wives and concubines““Equal polygamy consists of many marriages with promiscuous intercourse”
Classification and NamingClassification and NamingLinnaeus’ contributions
Critics of Linnaeus’ writings:“Loathsome harlotry as several males with one female would not be permitted in the vegetable kingdom by the Creator!"
Classification and NamingClassification and Naming
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Linnaeus’ contributionsCritics of Linnaeus’ writings:
"Who would have thought that bluebells and lilies and onions could be up to such immorality? How could so licentious a method be taught to the young without offense?"
Classification and NamingClassification and NamingLinnaeus’ contributions
Critics of Linnaeus’ writings:"A literal translation of the first principles of Linnaean botany is enough to shock female modesty.”
Classification and NamingClassification and Naming
Today, all species names follow Linnaeus’ binomial system.Some examples of proper species citation:
Name of author placed after species, Mentha spicatis L.Change in genus, Agaricus bisporus (Lange) Imbach.
Classification and NamingClassification and NamingInternational Code of Botanical Nomenclature (ICBN). First meeting in 1867.Meets every seven years, during Botanical Congress.
Naming and changing of names of plants.What names valid.
Classification and NamingClassification and Naming
Example of rules: Priority of names, i.e., If more than one scientific name for species, which is valid?
If in Species Plantarum, will be earliest name valid.Elias Fries, 1821, Systema Mycologicum for most fungi, especially fleshy fungi.
Classification and NamingClassification and NamingExample of rules: Priority of names, i.e., If more than one scientific name for species, which is valid?
Christian Hendrick Persoon, 1801, Synopsis Methodica Fungorum, for rusts and smuts.
Classification and NamingClassification and Naming
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Use of Latin! Used extensively in taxonomy, e.g. new species described in Latin, names are in Latin or latinized. Why?
Originally for ease of communication.Dead language.
Classification and NamingClassification and NamingLinnaeus’ contributions
Made possible the identification of unknown plants:
Divided plants into 24 classes, based on floral parts.
Classification and NamingClassification and Naming
Linnaeus’ contributionsMade possible the identification of unknown plants:
Criticism against system was not “natural”, i.e. did not classify related plants, in same group.Lead to hierarchy of classification.
Classification and NamingClassification and Naming How Does Hierarchy Work?How Does Hierarchy Work?
Chlorophyllum molybdites MasseeChlorophyllum molybdites Massee
Classification HierarchyClassification HierarchyKingdomPhylumClassOrderFamilyGenusSpecies
“King Philip came out from Greece, singing.”“King Philip came out from Greece, singing.”
Most inclusiveMost inclusive
species name = scientific namespecies name = scientific name
Classification HierarchyClassification HierarchyKingdom: FungiPhylum: BasidiomycotaClass: HymenomycetesOrder: AgaricalesFamily: LepiotaceaeGenus: ChlorophyllumSpecies: Chlorophyllum molybdites
• Chlorophyllum molybdites Massee. Massee is author of species
• Chlorophyllum molybdites Massee. Massee is author of species
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Classification HierarchyClassification HierarchyAnalogous to your address:
George Wong1390 Maile WayHonolulu, HI 96822
96822 (Kingdom), HI (Phylum), Honolulu (Order), 1390 Maile Way (Family), George (Genus), George Wong (Species).
Development of HierarchyDevelopment of HierarchyTraditionally, two kingdoms recognized: Plant and Animal
Development of HierarchyDevelopment of HierarchySimple dichotomy:
Plants lacked mobility, do not consume food. Cell wall.Animals could move and eat their food. No cell wall.Still used!
Development of HierarchyDevelopment of HierarchyNot so simple:
Most microscopic organisms do not fit these categoriesFor example, Euglena
Development of HierarchyDevelopment of HierarchyAttempts to remedy problem:
Additional kingdoms proposed.
Additional KingdomsAdditional KingdomsThree “biological” kingdoms:
John Hogg (1860) Proposed the kingdom Protoctista to include unicellular and multicellular organisms, e.g. algae, protozoans, etc.His other kingdoms were Plant, Animal and Minerals, after Linnaeus.
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Additional KingdomsAdditional KingdomsAlso three kingdoms was:
Ernst Haeckel1866 Proposed the kingdom Protista to accommodate plant-animal intermediates.
Additional KingdomsAdditional KingdomsHaeckel:
Proposed kingdoms:Protista included protozoans, microscopic algae, bacteria, slime molds and sponges.Plantae included kelps and fungi.Animalia include infusoria.
Additional KingdomsAdditional KingdomsHaeckel:
Revised kingdoms in 1894:Protista: Lacked sexual reproduction. Cyanobacteria and fungi moved from Plant Kingdom.Plantae: Moved colonial algae from Protista.Animalia: Blastula stage during embryo development.
Additional KingdomsAdditional KingdomsHaeckel:
Protista, a boundary kingom, between plants and animals.Plants and animals derived from bacteria.
Additional KingdomsAdditional KingdomsFour kingdoms:
Herbert Copeland (1938) added kingdom Monera.Renamed Protista to Protocista (eukaryotes that are not plants or animals.Delimitation of kingdoms more precise.
Additional KingdomsAdditional KingdomsFour Kingdoms:
Copeland’s Kingdoms:Monera: Included bacteria and blue green algae. Nucleus absent.Plantae: Presence of chlorophyll a + b, carotene, xanthophyll and starch as storage. Included Chlorophyta!
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Additional KingdomsAdditional KingdomsModern Era of Classification
Copeland’s Kingdoms:Animalia: Development of blastula stage during embryo stage.Protoctista: Remaining organisms left over, including fungi, other algae, protozoans, etc.
Additional KingdomsAdditional KingdomsFive kingdoms:
Robert Whitaker (1969) recognized five kingdoms, including Mycetae (=Fungi).Protista, initially included only unicellular organisms.Plants, animals and fungi classified according to mode of nutrition.
Additional KingdomsAdditional KingdomsFive kingdoms
Whitaker (1969)
Protista
Mycetae AnimaliaPlantae
PhotosynthesisAbsorption
Ingestion
Monera
Additional KingdomsAdditional KingdomsFive kingdoms
Whitaker’s system presently used in most text books.But for how long?
Proposal of Additional Kingdoms
Proposal of Additional Kingdoms
Proposal of Additional Kingdoms
Proposal of Additional Kingdoms
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Curtis Gates Lloyd
Curtis Gates LloydCurtis Gates LloydA few words:
Despised formal nomenclature associated with correct citation of species names.Did not agree with placement of authors after species names.
Curtis Gates LloydCurtis Gates LloydA few words:
Independently wealthy and published his own journal: Mycological Notes.In his journal he often made fun of “name jugglers”.Described a number of new species and found he had to juggle names.
Curtis Gates LloydCurtis Gates LloydA few words:
Professor M.J. McGinty,Pumkinville PolymorphicInstitute, Lycoperdonanthropomorphous .Never married, lived in his museum and never owned a house.
Curtis Gates LloydCurtis Gates LloydA few words:
Eccentric to the very end. Four years before he died. Lloyd erected monument to himself:
The True “Fungi”The True “Fungi”Phylum:
ChytridiomycotaZygomycotaAscomycotaBasidiomycotaDeuteromycota
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ChytridiomycotaChytridiomycotaChytrids
Aquatic, with flagellated stages, i.e. they can swim.
Some soil inhabiting.
Some are parasites.
ca 1000 species
ChytridiomycotaChytridiomycotaBatrachochytrium dendrobatidis, a parasite on amphibians.
Threatens many species to extinction.
ZygomycotaZygomycotaZygote FungiZygospores borne during sexual reproduction.Soil inhabiting fungi.Some are parasites and can grow on stored food.
ca 600 species
ZygosporeZygospore
ZygosporesZygospores
SuspensorSuspensor
ZygomycotaZygomycota
Asexual spores borne in sporangia.
AscomycotaAscomycotaSac Fungi (Morels and Truffles).“Body” is yeast and/or mycelium.Decomposers and pathogensYeast needed in making beer. Knowledge known for more than 6000 years.Yeast needed in making wine. Knowledge known for more than 8000 years.
ca 30,000 species
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AscomycotaAscomycota
Yeast cells reproducing:Sexual spores:
AscusAscospores
truffles cost up to $800/lb!
truffles cost up to $800/lb!
truffle hunter with truffle pigtruffle hunter
with truffle pig
TrufflesTruffles
Fruiting BodiesFruiting Bodies
Composed of myceliumComposed of mycelium
Ergot
Ergot of RyeErgot of Rye
BasidiomycotaBasidiomycotaClub fungi (mushrooms)Sexual spores basidiospores borne on basidium.Used as food.Some cause plant diseases.
ca 25,000 species
“Mushrooms”“Mushrooms”
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“Mushrooms”“Mushrooms” Basidium and BasidiosporesBasidium and Basidiospores
BasidiosporesBasidiospores
BasidiumBasidium
DeuteromycotaDeuteromycotaImperfect FungiSexual reproduction unknown in this group.Because sexual reproduction is unknown, these often unrelated to one another.
Some ExamplesSome Examples
Penicillium source of penicillin.
Some ExamplesSome ExamplesHelminthosporium maydis Cause of corn epidemic in 1970.
Some ExamplesSome ExamplesBotrytis cinerea: Cause of “Noble Rot”.
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“fungi”“fungi”Phylum:
OomycotaMyxomycota
OomycotaOomycotaWater molds e.g. downy mildew, potato blightRelated to “brown” algaeSwimming sporesDecomposers & parasites
ca 475 species
no “septa”
Downy Mildew of GrapesDowny Mildew of Grapes Late Blight of PotatoLate Blight of Potato
MyxomycotaMyxomycota“Slimemolds”Spores produced & germinate giving rise to amoebae.Plasmodium: Moving “slime”mass.
Acellular body, one giant, multinucleate cell.
ca 1000 speciesca 1000 species
Amoebae & Plasmodia
PlasmodiumPlasmodiumSpore germinationSpore germination
SporangiumSporangium
PhagocytosisPhagocytosis
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Various Slime Mold Sporangia
Various Slime Mold Sporangia
Various Slime Mold SporangiaVarious Slime
Mold Sporangia
Time Magazine: The BlobTime Magazine: The Blob
1973 yellow crawling object seen in suburb of Dallas, Texas.
Inspired “The Blob” & Remake
It was “big as a platter, foamy, creamy & pale yellow”.Tried killing it with detergents, insecticides & nicotine.Police & National Guard alerted.Russian first strike!Extraterrestrial?
Time Magazine: The BlobTime Magazine: The Blob