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- Research Article
- 10.3897/biss.9.183162
- Dec 23, 2025
- Biodiversity Information Science and Standards
- Patricia Mergen + 3 more
Taxonomy sensu lato is lately regaining some of its previous prominence in many biodiversity information-related activities and projects, notably for the needed taxonomic backbone in the EU Research Intrastructure Distributed System of Scientific Collections (DiSSCo) (Woodburn et al. 2022), or in training programs such as Transforming European Taxonomy through Training, Research, and Innovations (Tettris). However, the increased visibility has yet to happen for α-taxonomy, which is focused on performing revisions and describing and naming new species. The so-called taxonomic impediment (Engel et al. 2021) remains acute, with fewer and fewer experts available for a wide range of taxa, and a progressive erosion of the specialized expertise needed to document biodiversity. When describing a new species or revising a taxon, respecting the naming conventions governed by the official nomenclatural Codes is essential. There are five Codes currently aknowledged, such as the ICN — International Code of Nomenclature for algae, fungi, and plant, the ICZN — International Code of Zoological Nomenclature, ICNP — International Code of Nomenclature of Prokaryotes, ICNCP — International Code of Nomenclature for Cultivated Plants and ICTV Code — International Committee on Taxonomy of Viruses. However, the complexity of the Codes and the long learning curve can act as a barrier, discouraging early career scientists from engaging in α-taxonomy. Modernising or introducing changes to the existing Codes also involves very strict and relatively lengthy procedures, making it difficult to keep up with technological changes. To overcome these issues, and find common ground, Biodiversity Information Standards (TDWG) (with the support of the TDWG Partnerships and Fundraising Sub-Committee) and the ICZN (International Commission on Zoological Nomenclature) signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU). The document is available on the TDWG website*1. The ultimate goal of this MoU is to incorporate correct terminology for zoological nomenclature into TDWG standards with appropriate controlled vocabularies and definitions. It also intends to explore how nomenclature, alongside taxonomy, can be incorporated into biodiversity informatics research projects to attract a new generation of α-taxonomists, and reconnect with the roots of TDWG. This will involve developing tools andapplications and channel the use of software and AI to support new species descriptions and revisions that comply with the Codes of nomenclature. It should also involve organising training sessions dedicated to nomenclatural concepts and encouraging the development of enriched taxonomic publications. Another priority is to strengthen mentoring networks so that early-career researchers can learn directly from experienced taxonomists, ensuring that knowledge of best practices is passed on. This expended to all nomenclatural codes beyond the zoological example discussed here. A coordinated effort between nomenclatural authorities and biodiversity informatics specialists is essential to safeguard and advance online taxonomy. By combining robust standards, innovative technologies, and targeted capacity-building, the community can ensure accurate and efficient species documentation. These actions will hopefully inspirenew generations to explore, describe, and protect world's diversity.
- Research Article
6
- 10.1007/s11230-022-10058-0
- Aug 3, 2022
- Systematic Parasitology
- Robert Poulin + 2 more
In its advice to taxonomists, the International Commission on Zoological Nomenclature (ICZN) recommends that scientific species names should be compact, memorable, and easy to pronounce. Here, using a dataset of over 3000 species of parasitic helminths described in the past two decades, we investigate trends in the length of Latin specific names (=epithets) chosen by taxonomists. Our results reveal no significant temporal change in the length of species epithets as a function of year of description, with annual averages fluctuating around the overall average length of just over 9 letters. We also found that lengths of species epithets did not differ among the various host taxa from which the parasites were recovered, however acanthocephalan species have been given longer species epithets than other helminth taxa. Finally, although species epithets were shorter than genus names for three-quarters of the species in our dataset, we detected no relationship between the length of species epithets and that of genus names across all species included, i.e., there was no evidence that shorter species epithets are chosen to compensate for long genus names. We conclude by encouraging parasite taxonomists to follow the recommendations of the ICZN and choose species epithets that are, as much as possible, compact and easy to remember, pronounce and spell.
- Research Article
2
- 10.24193/entomolrom.25.3
- Dec 31, 2021
- Entomologica Romanica
- David Jutzeler
In 1977, Otakar Kudrna (*1939-†2021, obituary see Balletto and Leigheb, 2021) published his “Revision of the Genus Hipparchia”, where he classified all the known species and forms of this genus according to characters of wings, androconia, male genital armatures and further subjective criteria. Until today, Kudrna’s study is considered as the guideline of systematics of the genus Hipparchia. He selected there a lectotype specimen of a Rock Grayling male in the Linnaean collection. “Hipparchia hermione Linnaeus, 1764” is therefore, at the moment, the technically correct name to identify the species. The “International Commission of Zoological Nomenclature” (ICZN) has nothing to add at this point; it only comments on cases submitted to it in the Bulletin of Zoological Nomenclature. Within the meaning of the present study and in accordance with Verity (1913), this damaged specimen without abdomen represents the same species as Ignaz Schiffermüller – allegedly the only author of the Vienna directory (see Kudrna and B., 2005, p. 5) – has described under H. alcyone from the Vienna region by referring to a coloured copper engraving published by Rösel von Rosenhof (1755). Kudrna’s “Revision” became the starting point of an extended scientific research activity during my free time containing, as a matter of priority, the examination of problem cases of systematics by checking the preimaginal characters of many rearing series from different sites. It turned out that a number of classifications proposed by Kudrna (1977) had to be reassessed as soon as characters of the pre-imaginal stages were available. The most complex case I have verified concerned the third European Grayling species which Leraut (1990) introduced under the name of Hipparchia genava (Fruhstorfer, 1908). Kudrna (1977) failed to separate this species from H. alcyone (D. & S., 1775). Throughout his life, he never agreed with Leraut’s opinion. In recent years, Kudrna had hoped that genetic examinations would make redundant every rearing attempt by amateur lepidopterists and furnish the proof that his opinion was the correct one. Since he never undertook any rearing experiments, his systematics were based only on prepared imagines being housed in museum collections. He saw himself as a person with the competency to decide within a few minutes upon complex questions of taxonomy and ignored completely the assessments of others. For verifying the effective rank of H. genava, I had to examine also the two most closely related species: Hipparchia fagi and H. alcyone by rearing them all ex ovo with material from several widely spaced sites. Already on finalising my rearing work of this group, it became apparent that Leraut (1990) had been on the absolutely right path by accepting a third Grayling species, within this group. For the first time, I published the results of my rearing attempts between 2002 and 2006 in several articles in the quarterly bulletin Linneana Belgica and I readily provided information on this case to interested colleagues. Over time only, I realized that the Rock Grayling I knew from the volume on butterflies (Diurna) by Forster and Wohlfahrt (1955) as from the guides by Higgins and Riley (1970-84) under the name of H. alcyone had become H. hermione, because of the lectotype designation by Kudrna (1977). A stony path was in front of me to substantiate the factual correctness of the view taken by Leraut (1990). Complex clarifications by Peter Russell furnished well-founded arguments on the complex scientific issue why the use of the name “hermione Linnaeus, 1764” should be rejected for the Rock Grayling previously known as H. alcyone.
- Research Article
10
- 10.1057/s41599-021-00975-8
- Nov 18, 2021
- Humanities and Social Sciences Communications
- Paul Rummy + 1 more
In this paper, we brought compelling clarities as to why the current practices of binomial nomenclature should be revised and adjusted by the scientific governing bodies. We highlighted the current emphasis on Latinisation and Greek forms for scientific names has given fewer possibilities for the inclusion of cultural and native scientific names. With regard to zoological matters, we further pointed out that the International Commission on Zoological Nomenclature (ICZN) has an obligation to rationalise the applicability and suitability of the existing Articles and Recommendations in the Code. The Code has been designed to assist scientists in naming an organism with its guidelines. However, the practicality of the Articles and Recommendations need to be further explained in order to reduce several misperceptions within the scientific community; which include the correct usage of Latinised and Greek language forms that can be quite confusing to those who are not well-versed in the structures. The discussion also underlined the novelty of having more localised and hybridised scientific names, and the necessity to avoid norms of abusive, offensive and colonising names since the Code did not emphasise enough on the level of integrity needed with the naming procedures. We further illustrated the magnitude of having a gender-neutral naming system in the world of nomenclature, as the current practices of Latinised and Greek forms are heavily navigated towards masculine naming styles. We also suggest that the non-compulsory Recommendation section of the Code to be made relevant, and perhaps mandatory in some cases, with an infinite approach to accentuate beyond inclusivity and diversity.
- Research Article
- 10.5852/ejt.2020.638
- Apr 30, 2020
- European Journal of Taxonomy
- International Commission On Zoological Nomenclature
The International Commission on Zoological Nomenclature (ICZN) proposes amendments to its Constitution and solicits constructive feedback from the zoological community. In compliance with the Constitution, the proposed amendments are made broadly available, and there will be a one-year period for submission of comments starting on 30 April 2020. The amendments may be modified in the light of the comments, before the final version is voted on by the Commissioners.
- Research Article
- 10.11646/zootaxa.4766.4.6
- Apr 22, 2020
- Zootaxa
- Lian-Fang Yang + 2 more
In contravention of Article 16.4.2 of the International Code of Zoological Nomenclature (International Trust for Zoological Nomenclature 1999), the repository for the holotypes of these species was not mentioned by Yang et al. (2020), such that the names proposed for these species are presently nomina nuda.
- Research Article
12
- 10.1080/10420940.2019.1688802
- Dec 2, 2019
- Ichnos
- Spencer G Lucas + 1 more
When naming ichnotaxa based on uncollectable trace fossils, the holotype is the actual ichnofossil in the outcrop, though some ichnologists identify the holotype as a replica (cast) held in a museum collection, and refer to it as a “plastotype,” although not all such replicas are made from plaster. Nevertheless, through its Code, the International Commission on Zoological Nomenclature (ICZN) makes it clear that an artificial, human-made replica (plaster cast or otherwise) is not eligible to be the holotype of an ichnotaxon. This directive is potentially destabilizing to much ichnological taxonomy, which is based on holotypes left in the field that have disappeared or will disappear. One possible solution for ichnologists will be to petition the ICZN to recognize that artificial, human-made replicas of ichnofossils can serve as name-bearing types. These may best be called “axiotypes” (from the Greek axios, meaning “of equal value”).
- Research Article
6
- 10.11646/zootaxa.4629.1.12
- Jul 4, 2019
- Zootaxa
- Maurício S Garcia + 2 more
The controversial dinosauriform Teyuwasu barberenai Kischlat, 1999 (Fig. 1B) is based on a right femur (BSPG AS XXV 53) and tibia (BSPG AS XXV 54), formerly referred to the pseudosuchian 'Hoplitosuchus raui' (= Hoplitosaurus raui) Huene, 1938 (see also Huene, 1942). This material comes from a classic Late Triassic (Carnian) locality in southern Brazil (Fig. 1A), the Cerro da Alemoa outcrop on the Alemoa complex, that has yielded several noteworthy tetrapod specimens (see Garcia et al., 2019, for a complete list of references). When reviewing these abovementioned materials, Kischlat (1999) considered it to belong to a "robust saurischian dinosaur", but later this taxon was considered to be a nomen dubium (Langer et al., 2010; Ezcurra, 2012). Foremost, the initial description of this taxon is problematic, because Kischlat (1999) presented it in a symposium abstract which does not constitute a published work [which is not allowed under the Art. 9.10 of the International Commission on Zoological Nomenclature (ICZN)]. Moreover, the author did not list traits that clearly differentiated Teyuwasu from other coeval dinosauriforms (cf. Art. 13 of the ICZN, see further below). In particular, it was not adequately distinguished from Staurikosaurus pricei Colbert, 1970 (Fig. 1B), which also comes from the same Alemoa complex, but from another nearby outcrop (Sanga Grande/Sanga de Baixo) considered equivalent in stratigraphic level and horizon with the lower levels of the Cerro da Alemoa site (Huene, 1942; Colbert, 1970; see also Garcia et al., 2019) (Fig. 1A). However, Huene (1942) did not clearly specify that the materials (femur and tibia) later assembled by Kischlat (1999) into the holotype of Teyuwasu were found in close association, although Huene (1942) cited that they come from the same stratigraphical level and horizon, and to our interpretation, their morphology and preservational features are compatible. Still, assigning these bones as part of a single individual is tentative.
- Research Article
15
- 10.1515/mammalia-2018-0059
- Jul 28, 2018
- Mammalia
- Pablo Teta
Abstract In this note, I discuss the advantages of the usage of subgenera as a practical taxonomic rank in mammalian taxonomy. Use of this category preserves traditional usage, reduces nomenclatural instability and avoids unnecessary change of names. Subgenera are useful to label diagnosable clades of closely related species, especially in morphologically and ecologically diverse monophyletic genera, without alteration of traditional binomial usage. Contrary to informal names such as “divisions” or “groups”, subgenera are governed by the rules of the International Commission on Zoological Nomenclature (ICZN), having usage constrained (and stability promoted) by typification and priority.
- Research Article
4
- 10.1515/mammalia-2017-0137
- Apr 12, 2018
- Mammalia
- Cayo Augusto Rocha Dias + 2 more
Abstract Given the confusion ensuing from a recent study suggesting that the nameDidelphis marsupialisshould be applied to white-eared opossums instead of the traditional view that it represents a black-eared opossum, we reviewed all the sources employed by Linnaeus to describeD. marsupialisand examined photographs of the putative type specimen, comparing them with specimens of black- and white-earedDidelphis. We conclude that the type specimen presents characters that would allow us to diagnose it as a black-eared opossum species. We believe that the proposed nomenclatural changes not only are unjustified but also disrupt the stability advocated by the International Commission on Zoological Nomenclature (ICZN).
- Research Article
1
- 10.30550/j.azl/2017.61.2/1
- Dec 7, 2017
- Acta Zoológica Lilloana
- Gustavo J Scrocchi + 1 more
Se proveen los datos de todos los ejemplares depositados en la Colección Herpetológica de la Fundación Miguel Lillo, que revisten alguna categoría de “Tipo” de acuerdo al Código Internacional de Nomenclatura Zoológica (International Trust for Zoological Nomenclature, 1999). Se brindan todos los datos de los ejemplares en forma exhaustiva y se mencionan las discrepancias entre los datos que presentan en colección y los que fueron publicados en la descripción original. También se aclara el estatus actual del taxón.
- Addendum
- 10.1111/jeu.12481
- Nov 20, 2017
- Journal of Eukaryotic Microbiology
Journal of Eukaryotic MicrobiologyVolume 65, Issue 2 p. 290-290 CorrigendumFree Access Corrigendum to ″Schmidingerothrix salinarum nov. spec. is the Molecular Sister of the Large Oxytrichid Clade (Ciliophora, Hypotricha) by Foissner et al. 2014″ This article corrects the following: Schmidingerothrix salinarum nov. spec. is the Molecular Sister of the Large Oxytrichid Clade (Ciliophora, Hypotricha) Wilhelm Foissner, Sabine Filker, Thorsten Stoeck, Volume 61Issue 1Journal of Eukaryotic Microbiology pages: 61-74 First Published online: December 10, 2013 First published: 20 November 2017 https://doi.org/10.1111/jeu.12481AboutSectionsPDF ToolsRequest permissionExport citationAdd to favoritesTrack citation ShareShare Give accessShare full text accessShare full-text accessPlease review our Terms and Conditions of Use and check box below to share full-text version of article.I have read and accept the Wiley Online Library Terms and Conditions of UseShareable LinkUse the link below to share a full-text version of this article with your friends and colleagues. Learn more.Copy URL Share a linkShare onFacebookTwitterLinkedInRedditWechat In the article: Foissner, W., Filker, S., and Stoeck T. 2014. Schmidingerothrix salinarum nov. spec. is the Molecular Sister of the Large Oxytrichid Clade (Ciliophora, Hypotricha). J. Eukaryot. Microbiol., 61(1): 61–74. https://doi.org/10.1111/jeu.12087, the ZooBank registration number was omitted. Foissner et al. (2014) described the morphology, ontogeny, and phylogeny of a new Schmidingerothrix species in this electronic-only journal. Since the electronic article does not contain ZooBank registration, it is not published (available) with respect to the International Code of Zoological Nomenclature (ICZN 1999, 2012, Articles 8.5, 9.11). However, such work likely remains available as source for further purposes, similar to a suppressed work (ICZN 1999, Article 8.7.1). To become available, Schmidingerothrix salinarum must be registered in ZooBank (ICZN 2012). ZooBank registration http://zoobank.org/urn:lsid:zoobank.org:pub:33751519-8DAB-42CD-814E-C72926D5E39F Schmidingerothrix salinarum nov. spec. (Table 2 and Fig. 1A–L, 2A–M, 3A–D, 4A–H, 5, 6A–F, 7A–I, 8A–D in Foissner et al. 2014) Diagnosis (from Foissner et al. 2014, p. 73). Size in vivo about 95 × 17 μm. Body slender (~5.5:1), usually widest in mid-portion, with short but distinct tail. Four macronuclear nodules, forming a series near right margin of cell; zero to two micronuclei. Cortical granules in loose rows, colorless, about 1 μm across. Three frontal cirri and three frontoventral cirral rows. Frontal cirrus 1 subapical close to ventral part of adoral zone of membranelles. Frontoventral row 1 composed of an average of four cirri; row 2 of 18 cirri; row 3 of five cirri. Right marginal row composed of an average of 23 cirri, left of 17. Adoral zone about 32% of body length, composed of an average of three frontal and 21 ventral membranelles. Endoral membrane 12 μm long on average. Type locality. Solar saltern in the Ria Formosa National Park near to the town of Faro, Portugal, W7°57′41.0684″, N37°00′29.4851″. Type material. The holotype slide and two paratype slides with protargol-impregnated specimens and two paratype slides with hematoxylin-stained cells have been deposited in the Biologiezentrum of the Oberösterreichische Landesmuseum in Linz (LI), Austria, reg. no. 2013/33–37. Relevant specimens have been marked by black ink circles on the coverslip. Etymology. See same section in Foissner et al. (2014, p. 74). Morphology of Schmidingerothrix salinarum nov. spec. See same section in Foissner et al. (2014, p. 63, Table 2, and Fig. 1A–L, 2A–M, 3A–D, 4A–H). Molecular phylogeny. See same section in Foissner et al. (2014). GenBank accession number. KC991098 (SSU rDNA; length 1,769 bp; GC content 45.11%). Ontogenesis of Schmidingerothrix salinarum nov. spec. See same section in Foissner et al. (2014, p. 67 and Fig. 6A–F, 7A–H, 8A–D). Discussion. For comparison of Schmidingerothrix salinarum Foissner et al., 2017 with S. extraordinaria Foissner, 2012, type of the genus, see same section in Foissner et al. (2014, p. 72). Remarks: In future, this species has to be cited as “Schmidingerothrix salinarum Foissner, Filker & Stoeck, 2017” (for justification, see introduction). Literature Cited Foissner, W. 2012. Schmidingerothrix extraordinaria nov. gen., nov. spec., a secondarily oligomerized hypotrich (Ciliophora, Hypotricha, Schmidingerotrichidae nov. fam.) from hypersaline soils of Africa. Eur. J. Protistol., 48: 237– 251. Foissner, W., Filker, S. & Stoeck, T. 2014. Schmidingerothrix salinarum nov. spec. is the molecular sister of the large oxytrichid clade (Ciliophora, Hypotricha). J. Eukaryot. Microbiol., 61: 61– 74. ICZN (International Commission on Zoological Nomenclature) 1999. International Code of Zoological Nomenclature. International Trust for Zoological Nomenclature, London, 306 p. ICZN (International Commission of Zoological Nomenclature) 2012. Amendment of Articles 8, 9, 10, 21 and 78 of the International Code of Zoological Nomenclature to expand and refine methods of publication. Bull. Zool. Nom., 69: 161– 169. Volume65, Issue2March/April 2018Pages 290-290 ReferencesRelatedInformation
- Research Article
2
- 10.7717/peerj.3426
- Jun 8, 2017
- PeerJ
- Maria J Uriz + 2 more
BackgroundIn a recent paper, we described a new sponge species named Hemimycale mediterranea Uriz, Garate & Agell, 2017. However, we failed to designate a holotype and a type locality, as required by the International Commission on Zoological Nomenclature (ICZN). Although the validity of the previous conclusions remains unchanged, the species name cannot be considered available according to ICZN regulations until a holotype is designated.ResultsThe present work fulfills the requirements of the ICZN by designating a holotype, three paratypes and the type locality for the new species Hemimycale mediterranea and has been registered in ZooBank.
- Research Article
- 10.21805/bzn.v74.a003
- May 1, 2017
- The Bulletin of Zoological Nomenclature
- Thomas Pape
The Bulletin of Zoological Nomenclature will be published only in electronic form starting with volume 74. Reduced costs, smoother workflow, and more efficient service to our community are the primary drivers.
- Research Article
1
- 10.11646/zootaxa.4169.2.6
- Sep 20, 2016
- Zootaxa
- Ray T Perreault
Acasta sulcata spinosa Daniel, 1955 has been discovered to be a junior homonym of Acasta spinosa Hiro, 1939. As both names were originally described in the genus Acasta, ICZN (International Commission on Zoological Nomenclature) Article 57.2 defines A. sulcata spinosa as a primary junior homonym, even though it is of subspecific nature.
- Addendum
1
- 10.7717/peerj.1108
- Aug 4, 2015
- PeerJ
- Jérémy Anquetin
Background. In a recent paper, we proposed a lectotype for the species Plesiochelys langiiRütimeyer, 1873. However, we failed to register this publication in ZooBank as required by the International Commission on Zoological Nomenclature (ICZN) for electronic publication. Although our conclusions remain unchanged, this particular nomenclatural act cannot be considered as published under ICZN regulations.Results. The present work fulfills the requirements of the ICZN for a lectotype designation and has been registered in ZooBank.
- Research Article
- 10.11646/zootaxa.3981.1.9
- Jul 2, 2015
- Zootaxa
- Gui-Qiang Huang + 1 more
Eryssamena was erected by Bates (1884) based on three species E. saperdina, E. acuta and E. spinidorsis, which Breuning (1977) recognised to be the same species: Eryssamena saperdina Bates, 1884. Although Eryssamena had been accepted as an independent genus for a long time, Kusama & Takakuwa (1984) and Hashimoto (2008) considered it as a subgenus of Rondibilis Thomson, 1857. Holzschuh (2003) treated Eryssamena as a synonym of the nominotypical subgenus. Ohbayashi & Niisato (2007) and Löbl & Smetana (2010) considered Eryssamena as a synonym of Rondibilis.We have found that the Laotian Eryssamena similis Breuning, 1965 is a secondary homonym of Rondibilis similis Gahan, 1907. According to the Art 57.3.1 of ICZN (International Commission on Zoological Nomenclature, 1999), we hereby propose the replacement name Rondibilis subquadrinotata nom. n. for Eryssamena similis Breuning, 1965. The lectotype and a paralectotype are designated for Rondibilis similis Gahan, 1907.
- Research Article
17
- 10.1080/00222933.2015.1009512
- Mar 11, 2015
- Journal of Natural History
- Stefano Taiti + 1 more
Thirty-four species of terrestrial isopods (Crustacea: Oniscidea) from the Oued Laou basin, in the Rif area of north-eastern Morocco, are recorded. One genus (Paractenoscia) and seven species (Trichoniscus microphthalmus, Paractenoscia cavernicola, Bathytropa rifensis, Soteriscus gibbosus, S. laouensis, Porcellio pseudornatus, and Eluma praticola) are described as new. The genus Soteriscus, unavailable according to article 13.3 of the International Commission on Zoological Nomenclature (ICZN), is here revalidated by choosing S. gaditanus as type species. Six species (Graeconiscus thermophilus, Ctenoscia minima, Platyarthrus parisii, Porcellio humberti, Porcellio flavocinctus and Eluma caelata) have been fully illustrated to facilitate their identifications. Ctenoscia dorsalis Verhoeff is considered to be a junior synonym of C. minima Dollfus. Porcellio ornatus from southern Spain is also figured for comparison with P. pseudornatus sp. nov. The composition and origin of the oniscidean fauna of the Rif region is briefly discussed.http://zoobank.org/urn:lsid:zoobank.org:pub:DCBF3103-1463-4A32-9BC0-A4CFE8B762AE
- Addendum
9
- 10.1098/rsos.150024
- Feb 1, 2015
- Royal Society Open Science
- Mark T Young + 10 more
much is plaster and how much is real bone [8]; (ii) the cranium and lower jaw of the Ain skull are in articulation, meaning that the palatal and dorsal mandibular morphologies cannot be seen [6,8]; (iii) the German skull SMNS 91415 has the cranium and lower jaw disarticulated, allowing these morphologies to be observed [13] and (iv) SMNS 91415 has associated post-cranial material, greatly aiding in comparisons with other Machimosaurus taxa, in particular, M. mosae.
- Research Article
47
- 10.1111/zoj.12076
- Oct 11, 2013
- Zoological Journal of the Linnean Society
- John Veron
Coral taxonomy has entered a historical phase where nomenclatorial uncertainty is rapidly increasing. The fundamental cause is mandatory adherence to historical monographs that lack essential information of all sorts, and also to type specimens, if they exist at all, that are commonly unrecognizable fragments or are uncharacteristic of the species they are believed to represent. Historical problems, including incorrect subsequent type species designations, also create uncertainty for many well-established genera. The advent of in situ studies in the 1970s revealed these issues; now molecular technology is again changing the taxonomic landscape. The competing methodologies involved must be seen in context if they are to avoid becoming an additional basis for continuing nomenclatorial instability. To prevent this happening, the International Commission on Zoological Nomenclature (ICZN) will need to focus on rules that consolidate well-established nomenclature and allow for the designation of new type specimens that are unambiguous, and which include both skeletal material and soft tissue for molecular study. Taxonomic and biogeographic findings have now become linked, with molecular methodologies providing the capacity to re-visit past taxonomic decisions, and to extend both taxonomy and biogeography into the realm of evolutionary theory. It is proposed that most species will ultimately be seen as operational taxonomic units that are human rather than natural constructs, which in consequence will always have fuzzy morphological, genetic, and distribution boundaries. The pathway ahead calls for the integration of morphological and molecular taxonomies, and for website delivery of information that crosses current discipline boundaries.