Rotifer Taxonomy Workshop Introduction to Scientific Nomenclature

Hue University Rotifer Taxonomy
workshop 6-12 March 2010

Hendrik Segers
Belgian Platform Biodiversity
Royal Belgian Institute of Natural Sciences
Vautierstraat 29
B-1000 BRUSSELS (Belgium)
Introduction to
Scientific Nomenclature
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)
Fundamental aim of nomenclature: avoid a Tower of Babel
Why nomenclature?
Greek and Roman naturalists, medieval herbalists; folk
taxonomists: vernacular names
Pre-Linnaean naturalists:
names in Latin
nomina specifica; binominal, trinominal or even polynominal
names (e.g. Iris perpusilla saxatilis Norbonensis a caulis ferme)
names inconsistent and often paragraphs long (diagnosis,
description, identification purposes)
Linnaeus 18th century taxonomic system [cf. Species
plantarum (1753) and Systema naturae (1758)]
nomina trivialia; always binominal in structure
diagnostic style
Need for universal codes!
History of scientific nomenclature
Nomenclature codes
Greuter, W., et al. (eds), 2000. International Code of Botanical
Nomenclature (St Louis Code). Regnum Vegetabile 138.
Koeltz Scientific Books, Knigstein.
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.
History of zoological nomenclature
1758 Formal starting point = 10th Edition of Linnaeuss Systema Naturae and
Clercks Aranei Svecici
1842 Strickland Code (botany and zoology)
1889 First ICZ meeting (Paris); tentative adoption of a set of rules
1901 Fifth ICZ meeting (Berlin); Rules of Zoological Nomenclature: Rgles
Internationales de la Nomenclature Zoologique (French, English & German)
1961 First edition of the Code of Zoological Nomenclature
1964 Second edition
1985 Third edition
1988 Launch of fourth edition project
1995 Draft of fourth edition released by Secretariat
1999 Fourth edition (current edition)
Takes effect from 1 January 2000

2005 Discussion on registration of names re-opened; zoobank

Also: biocode, phylocode,...
Correct application of
nomenclatural codes
(e.g., correction of errors;
homonyms;)
Increased scientific understanding
(e.g., discoveries; changes in species
concept (s.l.) and phylogenetic
understanding)
Why do names change?
Correct application of
nomenclatural codes
(e.g., correction of errors;
homonyms;)
Increased scientific understanding
(e.g., discoveries; changes in species
concept (s.l.) and phylogenetic
understanding)
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
Why do names change?
Ruling principles
Nomenclature = naming tool

Nomenclature only follows taxonomy
Typification

The taxonomic identity of a name is
determined by that of its type
Ruling principles
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
Principle of Typification
Typification
Principle of Synonymy

1 taxon should only have 1 name
Ruling principles
Typification
Principle of Homonymy

1 name can apply to only 1 taxon
(but see independance of codes)
Ruling principles
Typification
Principle of Homonymy
Principle of Priority

the oldest fool is always right
Ruling principles
Principle of
bionominal nomenclature
Names of taxa above species:
uninominal: e.g., Hominidae, Homo

Names of species: binominal: e.g.,
Homo sapiens
Monostyla closterocerca Schmarda, 1853
Whats in a name?
With subgenus name:
Lecane (Monostyla) closterocerca (Schmarda, 1853) Edmondson, 1935
Short:
Lecane (M.) closterocerca (Shmarda, 1853) Or: L. closterocerca
new combination:
Lecane closterocerca (Schmarda, 1853) Edmondson, 1935
With subspecies name: trinomen
Lecane (Monostyla) closterocerca amazonica Koste, 1972
Or: L. closterocerca amazonica
Scientific Names are Latin
Rules of Latin grammar apply

Agreement in gender

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
Formation of Scientific Names
Formation of species names:
- After features: adjectives
e.g.:
- Lepadella minuta
- Scaridium grande
- S. longicaudum
- Brachionus bidentatus
- Keratella taurocephala
- After other species: noun in apposition, adjective
e.g., Trichocerca tigris, T. rattus, T.
cavia, T. mus, T. musculus, T. porcellus,
T. orca.
also: Seison nebaliae.

- After people: noun in genitive case
one man: Lecane ludwigii
one woman: Brachionus josefinae
several man/woman: L. gallagherorum
several woman: stem + arum
- After people: noun in genitive case
- After places: adjectival toponym
e.g., Lecane papuana
Brachionus budapestinensis
no diacritic or other marks, ligature, apostrophes,
etc:
- Trichocerca dixon-nutalli becomes T. dixonnutalli;
- Dicranophorus ltkeni becomes D. luetkeni;
- Filinia novaezaelandiae;
- ( becomes n, becomes o, )
But
- Zygiella x-notata
Type: sole bearer on identity of a name

Description, diagnosis, are required,
but irrelevant
(for nomenclatural purposes)
Types of name-bearing types (in the species group)
Original designation
(Fixed in the original publication)
Subsequent designation
(Not fixed in the original publication)
Holotype: the single specimen upon
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 name-
bearing type
Hapantotype: (special case)
Lectotype: a syntype designated as
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)
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
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?
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).
Synonyms and Homonyms
Synonyms: 2 or more names = 1 taxon
Nomenclatural (= objective, homotypic) synonyms
Taxonomic (= subjective, heterotypic) synonyms

Nomenclatural (= objective, homotypic) synonyms
Taxonomic (= subjective, heterotypic) synonyms
Lecane ludwigii (Eckstein, 1883) or
Lecane stokesi (Pell, 1890) or
Lecane ohioensis (Herrick, 1885) ?
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)?
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))


Whos right?
Principle of Priority:
Lecane ludwigii (Eckstein, 1883)
Lecane stokesi (Pell, 1890)
Lecane ohioensis (Herrick, 1885)
Oldest fool :
Lecane ludwigii (Eckstein, 1883)

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


Whos right?
Principle of Priority:
But This Can Cause Problems
The commission can intervene!
(nomina rejicienda, conservanda)
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;
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!
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
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),

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 MacLeay, 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.
Even more examples.
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
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)
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

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

3,554
(12.7%)

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

Poria cocos: Coleoptera and Fungus;
Pieris japonica: butterfly and plant;
Culcita novaeguineae: seastar, and Culcita novae-guineae: fern
Some binomen homonyms:
Lactarius nonfungus Nolf & Bajpai 1992: fish
Lactarius nonpiscis Verbeken 1996: fungus

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
Principle of co-ordination
Tautonyms
(Bison bison, Glis glis, Mops mops...)
allowed in zoology;
Tautonyms
Latin diagnosis
required in botanical nomenclature
Tautonyms
Latin diagnosis
Application & different standardised
endings
Table 2: Standardized endings for names of taxa
Rank :

Zoological

Botanical

Bacteriological

phylum/divisio *

- phyta/-mycota
1

classis

*

- opsida/-mycetes
1
/ -
phyceae

subclassis

*

- idea/-mycetidae
1
/-
phycidae
2

superordo

*

- anae

ordo

*

- ales

- ales

subordo

*

- ineae

- ineae

superfamily

- oidea

(not used)

(not used)

family

- idae

- aceae

- aceae

subfamily

- inae

- oideae

- oideae

tribus

- ini

- eae

- eae

subtribus

- ina

- inae

- inae

1
: for fungi; : for algae
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
A matter of Availability
Estd as valid
Estd 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
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
Interesting websites
International Code of Botanical Nomenclature :
http://www.bgbm.fu-
berlin.de/iapt/nomenclature/code/SaintLouis/0000St.Louistitle.htm
International Commission and Code on Zoological
Nomenclature : http://www.iczn.org
Nomenclator Zoologicus (347,000 zological genus- and
subgenus names from 1758 to 1994:
http://www.ubio.org/NomenclatorZoologicus

GBIF (www.gbif.org), Species2000 (www.sp2000.org),
FaunaEuropaea (www.faunaeur.org), ERMS, TaDWG,.
BioNET International (http://www.bionet-
intl.org/opencms/opencms/index1.jsp)
Global Taxonomy Initiative
(http://www.biodiv.org/programmes/cross-cutting/taxonomy/)
(zoogle),
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
Did I mention these ones?
Thank you for your attention

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Hue University Rotifer Taxonomy

workshop 6-12 March 2010

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