CDFA Pest Prevention Plant Regulation Practice Exam

Which scientific name corresponds to Canada thistle?

1. Agropyron repens

2. Alhagi camelorum

3. Rorippa austriaca

4. Cirsium arvense

The correct answer is: Cirsium arvense

The scientific name that corresponds to Canada thistle is Cirsium arvense. This plant is a perennial weed commonly found in North America and Europe and is known for its ability to spread aggressively. The genus Cirsium encompasses various thistles, and the species name arvense indicates its association with fields or cultivated land, as "arvense" translates to "of the fields" in Latin. Understanding the significance of the scientific nomenclature is crucial; the binomial system classifies plants in a way that distinguishes them from one another based on their genus and species. This knowledge is particularly important in pest management and agriculture since accurate identification of plants, especially those labeled as invasive weeds, can help in imploring suitable control measures. The other options represent different plant species that do not correspond to Canada thistle, highlighting how careful attention to the correct scientific name is essential when discussing pest prevention and plant regulation.