Introduction to Scientific Nomenclature Hendrik Segers Belgian Platform
Introduction to Scientific Nomenclature Hendrik Segers Belgian Platform Biodiversity Royal Belgian Institute of Natural Sciences Vautierstraat 29 B-1000 BRUSSELS (Belgium) • Hue University Rotifer Taxonomy workshop 6 -12 March 2010
Why nomenclature? Fundamental aim of nomenclature: avoid a Tower of Babel “The objects of the Code are to promote stability and universability in the scientific names of animals and to ensure that the name of each taxon is unique and distinct. All its provisions and recommendations are subservient to those ends and none restricts the freedom of taxonomic thought or actions” (ICZN 1999: 2) • Hue University Rotifer Taxonomy workshop 6 -12 March 2010
History of scientific nomenclature • Greek and Roman naturalists, medieval herbalists; folk taxonomists: vernacular names • Pre-Linnaean naturalists: ü names in Latin ü nomina specifica; binominal, trinominal or even polynominal names (e. g. Iris perpusilla saxatilis Norbonensis a caulis ferme ) ü names inconsistent and often paragraphs long (diagnosis, description, identification purposes) • Linnaeus’ 18 th century taxonomic system [cf. Species plantarum (1753) and Systema naturae (1758)] ü nomina trivialia; always binominal in structure ü diagnostic style • Need for universal codes! • Hue University Rotifer Taxonomy workshop 6 -12 March 2010
Nomenclature codes • Greuter, W. , et al. (eds), 2000. International Code of Botanical Nomenclature (St Louis Code). Regnum Vegetabile 138. Koeltz Scientific Books, Königstein. ISBN 3 -904144 -22 -7 • Trehane, P. , et al. (eds). 1995. International Code of Nomenclature for Cultivated Plants. Adapted by the International Committee for the Nomenclature of Cultivated Plants of the I. U. B. S. Regn. Veget. 133. • Sneath, P. H. A. , et al. (eds), 1992. International Code of Nomenclature of Bacteria. Washington (+ : Skerman, V. D. B. et al. , 1980. Approved Lists of Bacterial Names). • International Commission on Zoological Nomenclature, 1999. International Code of Zoological Nomenclature, 4 th edition. Adopted by the I. U. B. S. The International Trust for Zoological Nomenclature, London. • Hue University Rotifer Taxonomy workshop 6 -12 March 2010
History of zoological nomenclature 1758 1961 1964 1985 1988 1995 1999 Formal starting point = 10 th Edition of Linnaeus’s Systema Naturae and Clerck’s Aranei Svecici Strickland Code (botany and zoology) First ICZ meeting (Paris); tentative adoption of a set of rules Fifth ICZ meeting (Berlin); Rules of Zoological Nomenclature: Règles Internationales de la Nomenclature Zoologique (French, English & German) First edition of the Code of Zoological Nomenclature Second edition Third edition Launch of fourth edition project Draft of fourth edition released by Secretariat Fourth edition (current edition) 2005 Discussion on registration of names re-opened; “zoobank” 1842 1889 1901 Takes effect from 1 January 2000 Also: biocode, phylocode, . . . • Hue University Rotifer Taxonomy workshop 6 -12 March 2010
Why do names change? Increased scientific understanding (e. g. , discoveries; changes in species concept (s. l. ) and phylogenetic understanding) Correct application of nomenclatural codes (e. g. , correction of errors; homonyms; …) • Hue University Rotifer Taxonomy workshop 6 -12 March 2010
Why do names change? Increased scientific understanding (e. g. , discoveries; changes in species concept (s. l. ) and phylogenetic understanding) Correct application of nomenclatural codes (e. g. , correction of errors; homonyms; …) All changes are governed by legalistic, scientifically neutral conventions: the codes of nomenclature E. g. : the ICZN (1999; http: //www. iczn. org/iczn/index. jsp) consists of: Preamble 90 Articles, grouped in 18 chapters One or more mandatory provisions Non-mandatory recommendations Examples Glossary • Hue University Rotifer Taxonomy workshop 6 -12 March 2010
Ruling principles • Nomenclature = naming tool Nomenclature only follows taxonomy • Hue University Rotifer Taxonomy workshop 6 -12 March 2010
Ruling principles • Nomenclature = naming tool • Typification The taxonomic identity of a name is determined by that of its type • Hue University Rotifer Taxonomy workshop 6 -12 March 2010
Principle of Typification Art. 61. 1. Each nominal taxon in the family, genus or species groups has actually or potentially a name-bearing type. The fixation of the name bearing type of a nominal taxon provides the objective standard of reference for the application of the name it bears. 61. 1. 1. The valid name from a taxon is determined only from the name-bearing type(s) 61. 1. 2. Objectivity through typification is continuous through the hierarchy of names, from species to family group 61. 1. 3. Name-bearing types (generally) are stable and provide objective continuity in the application of names (ICZN) => Identity of a name relies only on its type, not on its description or diagnosis • Hue University Rotifer Taxonomy workshop 6 -12 March 2010
Ruling principles • Nomenclature = naming tool • Typification • Principle of Synonymy 1 taxon should only have 1 name • Hue University Rotifer Taxonomy workshop 6 -12 March 2010
Ruling principles • Nomenclature = naming tool • Typification • Principle of Synonymy • Principle of Homonymy 1 name can apply to only 1 taxon (but see independance of codes) • Hue University Rotifer Taxonomy workshop 6 -12 March 2010
Ruling principles • • Nomenclature = naming tool Typification Principle of Synonymy Principle of Homonymy • Principle of Priority “the oldest fool is always right” • Hue University Rotifer Taxonomy workshop 6 -12 March 2010
Principle of bionominal nomenclature • Names of taxa above species: uninominal: e. g. , Hominidae, Homo • Names of species: binominal: e. g. , Homo sapiens • Hue University Rotifer Taxonomy workshop 6 -12 March 2010
What’s in a name? Monostyla closterocerca Schmarda, 1853 new combination: Lecane closterocerca (Schmarda, 1853) Edmondson, 1935 With subgenus name: Lecane (Monostyla) closterocerca (Schmarda, 1853) Edmondson, 1935 Short: Lecane (M. ) closterocerca (Shmarda, 1853) Or: L. closterocerca With subspecies name: trinomen Lecane (Monostyla) closterocerca amazonica Koste, 1972 Or: L. closterocerca amazonica • Hue University Rotifer Taxonomy workshop 6 -12 March 2010
Scientific Names are Latin Rules of Latin grammar apply Agreement in gender • Hue University Rotifer Taxonomy workshop 6 -12 March 2010
Scientific Names are Latin Rules of Latin grammar apply Agreement in gender • Mastigocerca capucina Wierzejski & Zacharias, 1893 • Rattulus capucinus : Jennings, 1903 • Trichocerca capucina (Wierzejski & Zacharias, 1893) Harring, 1913 • Hue University Rotifer Taxonomy workshop 6 -12 March 2010
Formation of Scientific Names • Formation of species names: - After features: adjectives e. g. : - Lepadella minuta Scaridium grande S. longicaudum Brachionus bidentatus Keratella taurocephala • Hue University Rotifer Taxonomy workshop 6 -12 March 2010
Formation of Scientific Names • Formation of species names: - After features: adjectives - After other species: noun in apposition, adjective e. g. , Trichocerca tigris, T. rattus, T. cavia, T. musculus, T. porcellus, T. orca. also: Seison nebaliae. • Hue University Rotifer Taxonomy workshop 6 -12 March 2010
Formation of Scientific Names • Formation of species names: - After features: adjectives - After other species: noun in apposition, adjective - After people: noun in genitive case one man: Lecane ludwigii one woman: Brachionus josefinae several man/woman: L. gallagherorum several woman: stem + arum • Hue University Rotifer Taxonomy workshop 6 -12 March 2010
Formation of Scientific Names • Formation of species names: - After features: adjectives - After other species: noun in apposition, adjective - After people: noun in genitive case - After places: adjectival toponym e. g. , Lecane papuana Brachionus budapestinensis • Hue University Rotifer Taxonomy workshop 6 -12 March 2010
Formation of Scientific Names • Formation of species names: no diacritic or other marks, ligature, apostrophes, etc…: - Trichocerca dixon-nutalli becomes T. dixonnutalli; - Dicranophorus lütkeni becomes D. luetkeni; - Filinia novaezaelandiae; - (ñ becomes n, ø becomes o, …) But - Zygiella x-notata • Hue University Rotifer Taxonomy workshop 6 -12 March 2010
Principle of Typification Type: sole bearer on identity of a name Description, diagnosis, … are required, but irrelevant (for nomenclatural purposes) • Hue University Rotifer Taxonomy workshop 6 -12 March 2010
Principle of Typification Types of name-bearing types (in the species group) Original designation Subsequent designation (Fixed in the original publication) (Not fixed in the original publication) Holotype: the single specimen upon Lectotype: a syntype designated as which a new species-group taxon is based in the original publication (see also isotype) Paratypes: remaining specimens of the original type series (see also allotype) Syntypes: specimens of a type series that collectively constitute the namebearing type Hapantotype: (special case) the single-name bearing type specimen Paralectotypes: each specimen of the former syntype series remaining after lectotype designation (see also isolectotype) Neotype: the single specimen designated as the name-bearing type when no name-bearing type specimen is believed to exist (anymore) • Hue University Rotifer Taxonomy workshop 6 -12 March 2010
Principle of Typification Terms not regulated by the Codes Allotype: a designated specimen of opposite sex of the holotype Cotype: a term formerly used for either syntype or paratype Genotype: a term formerly used to designate the type species of a genus (generotype) Topotype: a specimen originating from the type locality or localities of the species or subspecies to which it is thought to belong, whether or not the specimen is part of the type series (see also topotypical specimen) Some peculiar cases: Cleptotype, Iconotype, … Type of a family name = genus Type of a genus = species • Hue University Rotifer Taxonomy workshop 6 -12 March 2010
How does it work? • Genus Pinus Linnaeus, 1753 (pine trees) • Taxonomy: five distinct genera Genus 1 : P. cedrus Genus 2 : P. larix Genus 3 : P. picea, P. balsamea Genus 4 : P. abies Genus 5 : P. sylvestris, P. pinea, P. cembra, P. strobus, P. taeda. Q: Can the real Pinus please stand up? • Hue University Rotifer Taxonomy workshop 6 -12 March 2010
How does it work? • Taxonomy: five distinct genera Genus 1 : P. cedrus Genus 2 : P. larix Genus 3 : P. picea, P. balsamea Genus 4 : P. abies Genus 5 : P. sylvestris, P. pinea, P. cembra, P. strobus, P. taeda. 1. Type of Pinus : P. sylvestris. Hence, = (5) 2. Others: new names (Cedrus, Larix, Abies and Picea, respectively). • Hue University Rotifer Taxonomy workshop 6 -12 March 2010
Synonyms and Homonyms • Synonyms: 2 or more names = 1 taxon – Nomenclatural (= objective, homotypic) synonyms – Taxonomic (= subjective, heterotypic) synonyms • Hue University Rotifer Taxonomy workshop 6 -12 March 2010
Synonyms and Homonyms • Synonyms: 2 or more names = 1 taxon – Nomenclatural (= objective, homotypic) synonyms – Taxonomic (= subjective, heterotypic) synonyms • Lecane ludwigii (Eckstein, 1883) or • Lecane stokesi (Pell, 1890) or • Lecane ohioensis (Herrick, 1885) ? • Hue University Rotifer Taxonomy workshop 6 -12 March 2010
Synonyms and Homonyms • Synonyms: 2 or more names = 1 taxon • Homonyms: 1 name = 2 or more taxa • • Lecane ornata (Harring & Myers, 1926) Lecane ornata (Daday, 1897) (syn. of L. ludwigii (Eckstein, 1883)) Problem: name for L. ornata (Harring & Myers, 1926) non (Daday, 1897)? • Hue University Rotifer Taxonomy workshop 6 -12 March 2010
Synonyms and Homonyms • Synonyms: 2 or more names = 1 taxon • Homonyms: 1 name = 2 or more taxa e. g. , Argus Bohadsch, 1761(gastropod); Argus Scopoli, 1763 (butterfly); Argus Scopoli, 1777 (butterfly); Argus Poli, 1791 (mollusk); Argus Temminck, 1807 (bird); Argus Lamarck, 1817 (hesperid); Argus Boisduval, 1832 (lycaenid); Argus Walckenaer, 1836 (arachnid); Argus Gray, 1847(mollusk); Argus Gerhard, 1850 (lycaenid)) • Hue University Rotifer Taxonomy workshop 6 -12 March 2010
Synonyms and Homonyms • Synonyms: 2 or more names = 1 taxon • Homonyms: 1 name = 2 or more taxa Who’s right? Principle of Priority: • “the oldest fool is always right” • Hue University Rotifer Taxonomy workshop 6 -12 March 2010
Synonyms and Homonyms • Synonyms: 2 or more names = 1 taxon • Lecane ludwigii (Eckstein, 1883) • Lecane stokesi (Pell, 1890) • Lecane ohioensis (Herrick, 1885) « Oldest fool » : Lecane ludwigii (Eckstein, 1883) • Hue University Rotifer Taxonomy workshop 6 -12 March 2010
Synonyms and Homonyms: 1 name = 2 or more taxa • • Lecane ornata (Harring & Myers, 1926) Lecane ornata (Daday, 1897) (syn. van L. ludwigii (Eckstein, 1883) Problem: name for L. ornata (Harring & Myers, 1926) non (Daday, 1897)? No “Oldest fool” available! Nomen novum required: Solution: L. myersi • Hue University Rotifer Taxonomy workshop 6 -12 March 2010
Synonyms and Homonyms • Synonyms: 2 or more names = 1 taxon • Homonyms: 1 name = 2 or more taxa Who’s right? Principle of Priority: • “the oldest fool is always right” But This Can Cause Problems The commission can intervene! (nomina rejicienda, conservanda) • Hue University Rotifer Taxonomy workshop 6 -12 March 2010
Formal requirements in ICZN (1) • Name or nomenclatural act must be Published; • Hue University Rotifer Taxonomy workshop 6 -12 March 2010
Formal requirements in ICZN (1) • Name or nomenclatural act must be Published; • Scientific names must be spelled using the 26 letters of the Latin Alphabet; • Hue University Rotifer Taxonomy workshop 6 -12 March 2010
Formal requirements in ICZN (1) • Name or nomenclatural act must be Published; • Scientific names must be spelled using the 26 letters of the Latin Alphabet; • Derivation: a name may be derived from any language, or even an arbitrary combination of letters if this is formed to be used as a word (not cbafdg); => lots of freedom allowed! • Hue University Rotifer Taxonomy workshop 6 -12 March 2010
Some examples…. One-letter difference: Tortricidae (Moths, Northern Mexico: (Kearfott, 1907) Eucosma fandana Eucosma gandana Eucosma handana Eucosma landana Eucosma mandana Eucosma nandana Eucosma pandana Eucosma sandana Eucosma wandana But also: Cydia candana Epiblema tandana Epinotia xandana Epinotia zandana Pelochrista randana Pelochrista vandana • Hue University Rotifer Taxonomy workshop 6 -12 March 2010
More examples…. Fun with Latin: • Stupidogobius Aurich, 1938 (stupid fish) Localities: • • • Panama canalia Marsh, 1993 (braconid) Belgica antarctica (chironomide) Mexico (beetle and virus) Texas (pentatomid and virus) Neotiglossa (Texas) californica Bliven, 1958 Mythology: • Zeus Linnaeus, 1758 (fish) • Kali Lloyd, 1909 (fish) • Satan Hubbs & Bailey, 1947 (fish), … • Hue University Rotifer Taxonomy workshop 6 -12 March 2010
Even more examples…. Not another one… • • • Cyclocephala nodanotherwon Ratcliffe (scarabid) Ochisme, Polychisme, Dolichisme, Peggichisme Kirkaldi, 1904 Iyaiyai Evenhuis, 1994 Agra vation Erwin, 1983 Notnops, Taintnops, and Tisentnops Platnick, 1994 (spiders originally in genus Nops Mac. Leay, 1839 Persons (“honorifics”): • Cartwrightia cartwrighti Cartwright, 1967 (scarab) • Hoia hoi (parasitic copepod), after Ju-Shey Ho • Leonardo davincii Bleszynski, 1965 (pyralid butterfly) But also (“horrorifics”): • Dyaria Neumoegen, 1893 (liparid butterfly) after Mr. Dyar. • Hue University Rotifer Taxonomy workshop 6 -12 March 2010
Formal requirements in ICZN (2) • New requirements for species-group names published after 1999: – Explicit indication of name as intentionally new (n. sp. , gen. nov. , nom. nov. , …) – Fixation of name-bearing types explicit designation & deposition • Hue University Rotifer Taxonomy workshop 6 -12 March 2010
The different codes: a comparison 1) The codes have different starting dates and works • • • Botanical : Species Plantarum : Linnaeus, 1753. Zoological : Systema Naturae : Linnaeus, 1758; Araneae swecici Clerck, 1757, … Bacteriologial : January 1, 1980 (older names only when included in list of approved names) • Hue University Rotifer Taxonomy workshop 6 -12 March 2010
The different codes: a comparison 1) The codes have different starting dates and works 2) The codes are independent => inter-code homonyms are possible, allowed, and common • Lactarius nonfungus Nolf & Bajpai 1992: fish • Lactarius nonpiscis Verbeken 1996: fungus • Hue University Rotifer Taxonomy workshop 6 -12 March 2010
Table 1. Inter-Code Generic homonyms Botanical genus names homonyms in Zool. record Total 64, 419 8, 784 (13. 6%) in common use 28, 041 Bacteriologic al genus names Homonyms in Zool. Record Homonyms in ING (Botanical) Homonyms in both Total 739 50 (6. 8%) 29 (3. 9%) 15 in common use 701 48 (6. 9%) 27 (3. 9%) 14 3, 554 (12. 7%) • Hue University Rotifer Taxonomy workshop 6 -12 March 2010
Some binomen homonyms: • Poria cocos: Coleoptera and Fungus; • Pieris japonica: butterfly and plant; • Culcita novaeguineae: seastar, and Culcita novae-guineae: fern • Lactarius nonfungus Nolf & Bajpai 1992: fish • Lactarius nonpiscis Verbeken 1996: fungus • Hue University Rotifer Taxonomy workshop 6 -12 March 2010
The different codes: a comparison • Principle of co-ordination: Names established at any rank within the F/G/S groups are deemed established at any rank within the group – – – Family-group: Super-, Family, sub-, Tribus, sub. Genus-group: Genus, sub. Species-group: Species, sub- Zoology only • Hue University Rotifer Taxonomy workshop 6 -12 March 2010
The different codes: a comparison • • Principle of co-ordination Tautonyms (Bison bison, Glis glis, Mops mops. . . ) allowed in zoology; • Hue University Rotifer Taxonomy workshop 6 -12 March 2010
The different codes: a comparison • • • Principle of co-ordination Tautonyms Latin diagnosis required in botanical nomenclature • Hue University Rotifer Taxonomy workshop 6 -12 March 2010
The different codes: a comparison • • Principle of co-ordination Tautonyms Latin diagnosis Application & different standardised endings • Hue University Rotifer Taxonomy workshop 6 -12 March 2010
Table 2: Standardized endings for names of taxa Rank : Zoological Botanical Bacteriological phylum/divisio * - phyta/-mycota 1 classis * subclassis * superordo * - opsida/-mycetes 1/ phyceae² - idea/-mycetidae 1/phycidae 2 - anae ordo * - ales subordo * - ineae superfamily - oidea (not used) family - idae - aceae subfamily - inae - oideae tribus - ini - eae subtribus - inae 1: for fungi; ²: for algae • Hue University Rotifer Taxonomy workshop 6 -12 March 2010
Something really rotifer… what about variants / forms? • Infrasubspecific categories not treated by the ICZN • In rotiferology: Brachionus calyciflorus Pallas 1766 f. amphiceros Ehrenberg, 1838 • But what if? – Testudinella tridentata Smirnov, 1931 f. curvata Wulfert 1965 – Brachionus variabilis Hempel, 1896 var. novae-zelandiae Morris, 1913 • Hue University Rotifer Taxonomy workshop 6 -12 March 2010
A matter of Availability • Est’d as valid • Est’d as « variety » or « form » – Before 1961: available if • not explicitly as of infrasubspecific rank • Used as subspecies level before 1985 (Kutikova 1970!) – After 1961: unavailable • Hue University Rotifer Taxonomy workshop 6 -12 March 2010
Hence: Testudinella tridentata Smirnov, 1931 f. curvata Wulfert 1965 becomes Testudinella greeni Koste 1981 and Brachionus variabilis Hempel, 1896 var. novae-zelandiae Morris, 1913 becomes Brachionus novaezelandiae Morris, 1913 • Hue University Rotifer Taxonomy workshop 6 -12 March 2010
Interesting websites • International Code of Botanical Nomenclature : http: //www. bgbm. fuberlin. de/iapt/nomenclature/code/Saint. Louis/0000 St. Louistitle. htm • International Commission and Code on Zoological Nomenclature : http: //www. iczn. org • Nomenclator Zoologicus (347, 000 zoölogical genus- and subgenus names from 1758 to 1994: http: //www. ubio. org/Nomenclator. Zoologicus • GBIF (www. gbif. org), Species 2000 (www. sp 2000. org), Fauna. Europaea (www. faunaeur. org), ERMS, Ta. DWG, …. • Bio. NET International (http: //www. bionetintl. org/opencms/index 1. jsp) • Global Taxonomy Initiative (http: //www. biodiv. org/programmes/cross-cutting/taxonomy/) • (zoogle), …… • Hue University Rotifer Taxonomy workshop 6 -12 March 2010
Did I mention these ones? Games with letters/statistics: • • • Aa Baker, 1940 (mollusk) Aaadonta Solem, 1976 (endodontoid slug) Cavaticovelia aaa Gagne, 1975 (Hawaiian bug) Aragara Walker, 1860 (fly; longest palindrome) Ia io Thomas, 1902 (bat; shortest binomen) Gammaracanthuskytodermogammarus loricatobaicalensis Dybowski, 1926 (amphipod; the longest binomen) • Zyzzyxdonta Solem, 1976 (endodontoid slug, with opposite features of Aaadonta) • Zyzzyzus Stechow, 1921 (Coelenterata) … and many, many more: http: //www. faculty. ucr. edu/~heraty/menke. html http: //cache. ucr. edu/~heraty/yanega. html • Hue University Rotifer Taxonomy workshop 6 -12 March 2010
Thank you for your attention • Hue University Rotifer Taxonomy workshop 6 -12 March 2010
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