In botanical nomenclature, Ficus benghalensis is the scientific name of which widely distributed Indian tree?

Introduction / Context:
Botanical nomenclature uses scientific names to uniquely identify plant species across the world. These names are especially important in textbooks, botanical surveys and competitive examinations. The name Ficus benghalensis appears frequently in basic biology and general science sections. This question checks whether you can correctly match that scientific name with the common name of a very familiar tree species in India and other tropical regions.

Given Data / Assumptions:

- The scientific name provided is Ficus benghalensis.
- Four options are given: Banyan, Pineapple, Babul and Tulsi.
- The question is from general science, so it refers to standard textbook plant classifications.
- Exactly one option correctly represents the plant known as Ficus benghalensis.

Concept / Approach:
In botanical names, the first term indicates the genus and the second term indicates the species. Ficus is the genus that includes figs and fig like trees, many of which have aerial roots and broad crowns. Ficus benghalensis is the species that corresponds to the well known banyan tree, which often has huge spreading branches and many prop roots. By identifying which option names a tree that belongs to the fig family and is famous across India, you can arrive at the correct answer.

Step-by-Step Solution:
Step 1: Recognise that Ficus is the genus that includes fig trees and related species.Step 2: Recall that Ficus benghalensis is described in textbooks as a very large tree with expansive branches and aerial roots.Step 3: Among the given options, Banyan is a giant tree of the fig family that matches this description.Step 4: Pineapple is an herbaceous fruit plant, Babul is a thorny tree of a different genus, and Tulsi is an aromatic herb, so these do not match Ficus benghalensis.Step 5: Therefore, Ficus benghalensis is the scientific name of the Banyan tree.

Verification / Alternative check:
You can verify by recalling some commonly memorised plant names and their scientific counterparts. For example, Mangifera indica is the mango tree, Azadirachta indica is neem, Ficus religiosa is the peepal tree, and Ficus benghalensis is the banyan tree. Grouping these examples helps to strengthen memory. Also, both Ficus religiosa and Ficus benghalensis are considered sacred in many traditions, which provides another mental link for revision.

Why Other Options Are Wrong:
Pineapple: The scientific name of pineapple is Ananas comosus, and it is not a tree but a short herb with a fruiting stem, so it cannot match Ficus benghalensis.
Babul: Babul is usually associated with the species Vachellia nilotica or related genera in the legume family, not with Ficus.
Tulsi: Tulsi is a small aromatic herb commonly called holy basil, classified scientifically as Ocimum sanctum or Ocimum tenuiflorum, again unrelated to the genus Ficus.

Common Pitfalls:
Students sometimes mix up Ficus religiosa and Ficus benghalensis since both are sacred trees in India. Remember that Ficus religiosa refers to the peepal tree with characteristic heart shaped leaves, while Ficus benghalensis refers to the banyan tree with large spreading branches and prop roots. Creating simple flashcards that pair common and scientific names is an effective way to avoid confusion in exams.

Final Answer:
Ficus benghalensis is the scientific name of the Banyan tree.