Question

The foundation of insect taxonomy was laid down by:

• A. Fabricius
• B. Linnaeus
• C. Hampson
• D. Tilliyard

Hint:

Carl Linnaeus is the pioneer who laid the foundation of both animal and insect taxonomy in 1758, using wing structure as the primary basis for classification.

Answer 1

The Correct Option is B

Step 1: Understanding the Concept:
Taxonomy is the science of naming, describing, and classifying organisms.
Insect taxonomy was established as a systematic discipline when standardized nomenclature and hierarchical classification were introduced.

Step 2: Detailed Explanation:
The foundation of modern animal taxonomy, including insect taxonomy, was laid down by Carl Linnaeus.
In his work *Systema Naturae* (specifically the 10th edition published in 1758), Linnaeus systematically classified and named hundreds of insect species.
He introduced the binomial nomenclature system (Genus + species) and grouped insects into distinct orders based mainly on their wing structures (e.g., Coleoptera, Lepidoptera, Diptera, Hymenoptera).
This classification system provided the structural framework upon which all subsequent entomologists worked.
Johan Christian Fabricius was a pupil of Linnaeus who expanded insect taxonomy by classifying insects based on their mouthpart structures, but the core foundation was established by Linnaeus.
Hampson and Tillyard were later entomologists who contributed significantly to specific insect groups and regional fauna, respectively.

Step 3: Final Answer
The correct option is (B).