Nomenclature Pt. 2

Question 1

Describe the principle of priority when it comes to the nomenclature principles of the ICZN

Answer 1

• this dictates that the first name applied to a taxon is the name that will be used
• this makes taxonomy the most historical discipline in biology

Question 2

What is synonymy

Answer 2

this occurs when two or more different names apply to the same taxon
- there will be a senior synonym (which is the valid name, usually deemed valid on the basis of its priority)
- there will be a junior synonym (the one deemed invalid on the basis of priority)

Question 3

The name that should be applied in zoology and botany is

Answer 3

“valid” (in zoology) = “correct name” (in botany)

Question 4

The name that could be applied in zoology and botany is

Answer 4

“available” (zoology) = “validly published name” (botany)

Question 5

Describe the principle of coordination when it comes to the nomenclature rules in the ICZN

Answer 5

• if the name is revised in rank within the same category group, the author remains the same (like superorder, order, suborder and infraorder are all members of the same category group)
• if elevated or lowered to a different category group, the author is the one who first established it within its new category group
• if a species is transferred to a different genus, the original author of the species is still cited, but in brackets (so otherwise it is not in brackets)

Question 6

Describe the principle of first reviser in the nomenclature principles of the ICZN

Answer 6

• conflicts, omissions or ambiguities that cannot be resolved by priority are decided by the first reviser

Question 7

Describe the principle of homonymy in the nomenclature principles of the ICZN

Answer 7

Homonyms = two identically spelled names for different taxa
- they are not allowed within one kingdom, but a plant can have the same name as an animal

Question 8

Describe the principle of typification in the nomenclature rules of the ICZN - describe holotype, paratype, lectotype, neotype

Answer 8

The type of a species
- is an actual reference specimen, usually in a museum
- IF it is designated by the original namer, it is called the HOLOTYPE
- PARATYPES = specimens considered by the orignial author to formally represent a species in addition to a designated holotype
- if no holotype was designated originally, but a series of specimens were syntypes, a lectotype should be designated by a later worker from among the syntypes
- if holotype of lectotype is lost or destroyed, a neotype should be designated
- the type is the ultimate arbiter of the characteristics of the species

Question 9

What is a holotype

Answer 9

the reference specimen that is designated by the original namer
(the single specimen chosen to represent the name)

Question 10

What are paratypes

Answer 10

these are specimens considered by the original author to formally represent a species in addition to a designated holotype
(specimens in type series in addition to the holotype)

Question 11

What are syntypes

Answer 11

if no holotype was designated originally, then syntypes are a series of specimens (specimens that are part of the type series if no holotype)

Question 12

What is a lectotype

Answer 12

If no holotype was designated originally but a series of specimens were syntypes, then a lectotype should be designated by a later worker from among the syntypes (replacement for the holotype from original type series)

Question 13

What is a neotype

Answer 13

this is designated by a later worker if the holotype or lectotype is lost or destroyed (completely new type specimen designated if the original types all gone)

Question 14

What is the type species

Answer 14

this is used to nail down a higher taxon (e.g. genus)

–> every genus has a type species, to which it remains attached in case of rearrangements in the classification
–> subspecies and varieties also have type specimens or cultures - one of the subspecies must be the type subspecies and must have a name identical to that of the species. its type specimen is also the type specimen of the species (principle of coordination)

Question 15

What is the type locality

Answer 15

This is where the holotype was collected

Question 16

What is the topotype

Answer 16

this is a specimen from the type locality

Question 17

What are the two requirements for a valid name of a taxon

Answer 17

1. must be properly published
2. refer to a real species or higher clade

Question 18

What are the publication requirements for animals

Answer 18

1. include a figure of the holotype
2. include a diagnosis (statement of the distinguishing features of the new taxon)
3. the type specimen must be specified and usually preserved for future reference

Question 19

The locators, variable, and variable qualifier are collectively called the

Answer 19

character

Question 20

the variable conditions (states) and variable qualifier collectively are called the

Answer 20

statement

Question 21

What is an allotype

Answer 21

representative paratype specimen of other sex from holotype; no special status is accorded allotypes in the ICZN

Question 22

Primary vs. secondary homonyms

Answer 22

Two or more available species-group names having the same spelling are homonyms if they were originally established in combination with the same generic name (primary homonymy), or when they are subsequently published in combination with the same generic name (secondary homonymy)

Question 23

What are nomenclature initiatives that are compatible with the classical Linnaean system

Answer 23

1. zoobank (universal registry for animal names)
2. DNA taxonomy (DNA as the primary reference system)

Question 24

What are alternative nomenclature initiatives that are less compatible with the classic Linnaean system

Answer 24

• Bicode (merging of all biological codes)
• phylocode (rank free naming of clades)

Question 25

What is the taxonomic impediment

Answer 25

• the world wide shortage of important taxonomic information, the gaps in our taxonomic knowledge, and the shortage of trained taxonomists and curators to fill this need