The reason scientific names are expressed in Latin is because it is an international language and was used by the early scholars to express plant names.

• A. because it is an international language and was used by the early scholars to express plant names
• B. to emphasize traditional horticultural practices
• C. because it is an international language and was used by the early scholars to express plant names
• D. to ensure names reflect color patterns

Answer: (C)

Scientific names use Latin because it provides a universal, stable language for naming species across all languages and countries. Latin (and Latinized forms) was adopted by early scholars, so the system became standardized worldwide. Because Latin is a dead language, its forms don’t drift or change in everyday use, preventing confusion as scientific names are shared internationally. This universality and permanence means a single species has one accepted name everywhere, avoiding the mix-ups that come from regional common names. The other ideas described—focusing on traditional horticultural practices or color patterns—don’t explain why a single, international naming system is used for plants.