Who was first to use the characteristics of vascular tissues in the classification of plants?

Question

Who was first to use the characteristics of vascular tissues in the classification of plants?

1. A. Engler and Prantl
2. B. Bentham and Hooker
3. C. A P de Condolle (Correct answer)
4. D. More than one of the above

Correct Answer

Option C — A P de Condolle

Detailed Solution & Explanation

The correct answer is A P de Condolle.

Key Points

• Augustin Pyramus de Candolle, the Swiss botanist, was the first to use the characteristics of vascular tissues as a basis for the classification of plants.
• He presented this system in his work "Theorie Elementaire de la Botanique" (1813), dividing plants into Vascular (Cellulares) and Non-vascular groups.
• De Candolle's approach was a natural system of classification, based on overall natural affinities and a range of morphological characters, in contrast to the earlier artificial system of Carolus Linnaeus, which relied on just one or two characters such as the number of stamens.
• De Candolle is also credited with coining the term "taxonomy".
• The distractors are equally important taxonomists: Bentham and Hooker produced the most widely used natural system in "Genera Plantarum", still followed in many Indian herbaria; while Engler and Prantl developed an early phylogenetic system in Die Naturlichen Pflanzenfamilien.

Exam Tip

• classify the systems as artificial (Linnaeus), natural (de Candolle, Bentham and Hooker) and phylogenetic (Engler and Prantl, Hutchinson).

प्रश्न (हिन्दी में)

पौधों के वर्गीकरण में संवहनी ऊतकों (vascular tissues) की विशेषताओं का उपयोग करने वाले पहले व्यक्ति कौन थे?

1. A. एंगलर और प्रांतल
2. B. बेंथम और हुकर
3. C. ए पी डी कोंडोले
4. D. उपरोक्त में से एक से अधिक