What does 'botanical classification' refer to?

Botanical classification refers to the scientific categorization of plants into groups based on shared characteristics. This system helps organize the vast diversity of plant life into coherent relationships that reflect evolutionary history. By classifying plants scientifically, botanists can identify and communicate about species more effectively, ensuring a standardized approach that is universally understood within the scientific community. This classification typically involves hierarchical categories such as kingdom, phylum, class, order, family, genus, and species, allowing for a clear understanding of how different plants relate to one another.

The other options address different aspects of horticulture or plant science but do not encompass the full scope of botanical classification. Identifying plant pests pertains to a specific area of horticulture focused on plant health rather than a systematic way of classifying plants. Analyzing soil composition involves studying the physical and chemical properties of soil and is not related to plant classification. Lastly, classifying plants for ornamental use focuses on aesthetic qualities rather than the biological and evolutionary characteristics essential for botanical classification.