Which of the following ‘Suffixes’ used for units of classification in plants indicates a taxonomic category of ‘family’?(a) -Ales(b) -Onae(c) -Aceae(d) -Ae

The correct answer is (c) -Aceae
Explanation:
1. Taxonomic Hierarchy in Plants:
o The taxonomic hierarchy is a system of classification in biology, where organisms are grouped at different levels: Kingdom, Division/Phylum, Class, Order, Family, Genus, and Species.
o In plants, families are an important rank in classification. They group related genera together.
2. Suffix for Family:
o The suffix “-Aceae” is used to denote a taxonomic category of family in botanical nomenclature. This suffix is universally adopted in plant taxonomy.
o Example:
 Rosaceae is the family for roses.
 Fabaceae is the family for legumes.
 Poaceae is the family for grasses.
3. Why Other Options are Incorrect:
o (a) -Ales:
 The suffix “-Ales” is used to denote an order, not a family. For example, Rosales is the order that includes the family Rosaceae.
o (b) -Onae:
 This is not a valid suffix in taxonomic nomenclature.
o (d) -Ae:
 The suffix “-Ae” is not specific to any taxonomic rank in plants and is not used for families.
In plant taxonomy, the suffix “-Aceae” is used to indicate the rank of family, making (c) the correct answer.