The scientific name of the garden pea is
a) Pisum sativum
b) Pisum sativum
c) Gardenia peaea
d) Pisum sativum
The correct answer and explanation is:
The correct answer is a) Pisum sativum.
Pisum sativum is the scientific name of the garden pea, a plant species in the legume family (Fabaceae). It is a member of the genus Pisum, and its species name, sativum, refers to its cultivated nature. The garden pea is native to the Mediterranean region but is now widely grown for its edible seeds, which are commonly used in cooking and as a staple in various cuisines around the world.
The genus Pisum includes several species, but Pisum sativum is the most well-known and cultivated for human consumption. It comes in different varieties, including those with green peas and yellow peas. The plant is typically a cool-season crop that is grown in temperate climates. The peas are usually harvested while immature, as this is when they are most tender and flavorful.
The scientific naming system follows binomial nomenclature, where the first part of the name (Pisum) indicates the genus, and the second part (sativum) identifies the species within that genus. This system was developed by Carl Linnaeus and is used worldwide to standardize the names of organisms, helping to avoid confusion caused by regional or common names.
The garden pea plays an important role in agriculture and food production. It is rich in protein, fiber, and various essential nutrients. Additionally, it is also valuable for crop rotation due to its ability to fix nitrogen in the soil, enriching the soil for future crops.
Other options listed (b, c, and d) are incorrect or variations of the correct scientific name or completely different species.