Nomenclature rules Pt.1

Question 1

define taxonomy

Answer 1

a basic science dedicated to naming (nomenclature) and organizing (classification) biological diversity
- includes discovery, description, identification

Question 2

define nomenclature

Answer 2

a system of names or terms, or the rules for forming these terms
–> good nomenclature is universal, unique, stable

Question 3

define classification

Answer 3

systematic arrangement into groups according to established criteria

Question 4

What is the code for zoology nomenclature that is followed

Answer 4

ICZN - international code of zoological nomenclature
- regulated by the international commission of zoological nomenclature

Question 5

What is the code for botany nomenclature that is followed

Answer 5

ICN - international code of nomenclature
- regulated by the international association for plant taxonomy

Question 6

What is the starting point for most animal and plant names

Answer 6

• animal = systema naturae (Linnaeus 1758)
• plants = species plantarum (Linnaeus 1753)

Question 7

What is the code of nomenclature for bacteriology

Answer 7

• International code of nomenclature of prokaryotes

Question 8

What are the 6 nomenclature principles of (ICZN)

Answer 8

1. Binomial nomenclature system
2. Priority
3. coordination
4. first reviser
5. homonymy
6. typification

Question 9

Describe the binomial nomenclature principle of the ICZN

Answer 9

• species names are binomial - they consist of the generic name + the specific name/epithet
• they are singular, italicized, or underlined and unique
• trinomen (subspecies names have 3 parts to them)
• taxa at a rank above species have uninomial names

Question 10

Are tautonyms (identical generic and specific epithets) allowed in zoology or botany

Answer 10

they are allowed for zoological names

Question 11

Define subspecies

Answer 11

they represent relatively isolated populations within one species (=reduced gene flow) with distinctive features. In botany and zoology they necessarily imply geographic isolation

Question 12

Give an example of the principle of coordination in subspecies names

Answer 12

one subspecies must have the same name as the species

Question 13

What are varieties in botany

Answer 13

a rank lower than subspecies denoting minor differences within a locality - these are also trinomial names

Question 14

Describe subgenera

Answer 14

formally named divisions of a genus, usually nowadays thought to be clades
- principle of coordination applies here where one subgenus must have the same name as the genus
- these are written in brackets between the generic and specific epithets

Question 15

How are taxa above the rank of genus written (so families?)

Answer 15

• they are uninomial, plural, and are not italicized