Eponyms of birds mostly honour scientists and show positive inclusivity trends
Zoological Journal of the Linnean Society,
Journal Year:
2025,
Volume and Issue:
203(3)
Published: March 1, 2025
Abstract
In
biological
taxonomy,
eponyms
have
become
controversial,
mostly
because
some
believe
that
represent
social
injustice
and
include
biases
against
women
people
in
non-western
countries.
Unfortunately,
there
are
very
few
comprehensive
quantitative
studies
of
to
inform
this
debate.
a
data
set
28
395
names
valid
bird
genera,
species
(non-nominate)
subspecies,
6135
(21.6%)
were
identified.
The
proportion
has
increased
since
the
mid-20th
century
was
43%
2010–2022.
Most
honourees
scientists
(71.5%),
been
case
early
19th
century.
significantly
1900,
whereas
facilitators
science
(a
group
includes
collectors,
sponsors,
artists)
declined
during
same
period.
Overall,
strong
towards
males
(93%)
western
countries
(93%).
However,
1900
proportions
female
honorifics
significantly,
2010–2022
these
17%
30%,
respectively.
These
trends
encouraging,
large
portion
(non-avian)
biodiversity
remains
be
described.
Therefore,
will
plenty
opportunities
compensate
for
past
groups
other
than
birds.
Language: Английский
Naming the menagerie: creativity, culture and consequences in the formation of scientific names
Proceedings of the Royal Society B Biological Sciences,
Journal Year:
2023,
Volume and Issue:
290(2010)
Published: Nov. 1, 2023
The
coining
of
scientific
names
for
newly
described
species
is
one
the
most
creative
acts
in
science.
We
briefly
review
history
naming,
with
an
emphasis
on
constraints
and
freedoms
choice
new
how
they
came
to
be.
then
consider
patterns
etymologies
linguistic
origins
across
clades
through
time.
Use
'non-classical'
languages
(those
other
than
Latin
Greek)
naming
has
increased,
as
use
eponymous
(despite
recent
controversy
around
practice).
Finally,
we
ways
which
creativity
consequences
conduct
outcome
work.
For
example,
sale
rights
funded
research
conservation,
while
after
celebrities
increased
media
attention
science
discovery.
Other
are
more
surprising,
including
a
strong
effect
species-name
etymology
kinds
studies
conducted
plant-feeding
arthropods.
Scientific
clear
example
scientists
socially
situated,
culturally
influenced
decisions
such
what
name
can
affect
both
public
perception
itself.
Language: Английский
Impact on species' online attention when named after celebrities
Conservation Biology,
Journal Year:
2023,
Volume and Issue:
38(2)
Published: Sept. 13, 2023
Celebrities
can
generate
substantial
attention
and
influence
public
interest
in
species.
Using
a
large-scale
examination
of
publicly
available
data,
we
assessed
whether
species
across
6
taxonomic
groups
received
more
page
views
on
Wikipedia
when
the
was
named
after
celebrity
than
it
not.
We
conducted
our
analysis
for
4
increasingly
strict
thresholds
how
many
average
daily
had
(1,
10,
100,
or
1000
views).
Overall,
found
high
probability
(0.96-0.98)
that
celebrities
their
closest
relatives
were
not
celebrities,
irrespective
threshold.
The
multiplicative
effect
species'
larger
but
uncertain
as
page-view
increased.
range
1
to
1.08
(95%
credible
interval
[CI]
1.00-1.18)
1.76
CI
0.96-2.80),
respectively.
hierarchical
estimates
taxa
tended
be
positive.
strongest
effects
invertebrates,
followed
by
amphibians,
reptiles,
fish,
mammals,
whereas
weakest
birds
at
lower
thresholds.
Our
results
suggest
naming
could
particularly
significant
those
belonging
are
generally
less
popular
others
(e.g.,
invertebrates).
may
further
effectiveness
this
marketing
strategy,
depending
likability
connection
them.
Eponyms
serve
reminder
disproportionate
power
dynamics
between
populations
some
namesakes'
untenable
actions.
However,
they
also
provide
an
opportunity
recognize
remarkable
individuals
promote
equity,
inclusivity,
diversity
practice.
encourage
taxonomists
examine
threatened
affect
conservation
support,
especially
otherwise
typically
overlooked
public.
Language: Английский
Nomenclatural stability and the longevity of helminth species names
Systematic Parasitology,
Journal Year:
2024,
Volume and Issue:
101(3)
Published: May 3, 2024
Abstract
Although
most
Latin
binomial
names
of
species
are
valid,
many
eventually
unaccepted
when
they
found
to
be
synonyms
previously
described
species,
or
superseded
by
a
new
combination
the
denote
moved
different
genus.
What
proportion
parasite
become
over
time,
and
how
long
does
it
take
for
incorrect
unaccepted?
Here,
we
address
these
questions
using
dataset
comprising
thousands
parasitic
helminths
from
four
higher
taxa
(Acanthocephala,
Nematoda,
Cestoda,
Trematoda).
Overall,
among
proposed
in
past
two-and-a-half
centuries,
nearly
one-third
have
since
been
unaccepted,
common
reason
being
that
combination.
A
greater
older
(proposed
pre-1950)
compared
more
recently,
however
taxonomic
acts
leading
(through
either
synonymy
reclassification)
occurred
few
decades.
average
longevity
helminth
currently
was
29
years;
although
remained
use
100
years,
about
50%
total
were
invalidated
within
20
years
first
proposed.
The
patterns
observed
roughly
same
all
considered
here.
Our
results
provide
quantitative
illustration
self-correcting
nature
taxonomy,
can
also
help
calibrate
future
estimates
biodiversity.
Language: Английский
Uncovering Rotifera, Cladocera and Copepoda name length patterns for enhanced scientific communication
Zootaxa,
Journal Year:
2023,
Volume and Issue:
5383(2), P. 167 - 178
Published: Dec. 10, 2023
The
motivations
for
describing
species
are
multifaceted
and
extend
beyond
the
scientific
disciplines,
promoting
public
engagement
enhancing
biodiversity
communication.
We
delve
into
practices
of
naming
Rotifera,
Diplostraca
(=
Cladocera)
Copepoda,
underpinning
effects
time,
taxon
group
lengths
genus
names
on
length
specific
names.
Our
investigation
revolves
around
a
comprehensive
dataset
comprising
6319
described
between
1758
2021
Rotifers,
Cladocera
Copepoda.
overall
annual
average
hovers
mean
slightly
over
10
8
letters,
respectively,
names,
although
it
varied
noticeably
across
taxa.
Notably,
our
findings
reveal
no
substantial
temporal
variation
in
years
description.
found
positive
not
significant
relationship
suggesting
that
longer
may
influence
choice
support
recommendation
by
International
Commission
Zoological
Nomenclature
existing
related
publications
this
topic,
to
prioritize
short
emphasizing
importance
concise
ultimately
use
mnemonic
assigned
zooplankton
species.
Language: Английский
Kinomenclature: An analysis of scientific names of mud dragons (Kinorhyncha)
Zoologischer Anzeiger,
Journal Year:
2024,
Volume and Issue:
unknown
Published: Oct. 1, 2024
Language: Английский
Rethinking nomenclatural acts: Questions in taxonomy by the dedications to mythology and fictional monsters
BioScience,
Journal Year:
2024,
Volume and Issue:
unknown
Published: Oct. 10, 2024
Abstract
In
recent
years,
the
practice
of
deriving
new
species
names
from
celebrities,
mythology,
and
popular
culture
has
attracted
significant
attention.
We
argue
that,
although
this
can
potentially
enhance
public
interest
in
taxonomy
conservation,
it
also
raises
important
questions
about
biological
nomenclatural
systems
since
Linnaeus,
by
highlighting
examples
such
as
annelid
Ramisyllis
kingghidorahi,
named
after
iconic
monster
King
Ghidorah.
that
scientists
should
carefully
consult
International
Code
Zoological
Nomenclature
have
a
good
understanding
Latin
Greek
when
conducting
acts.
Language: Английский
Cracking etymological enigmas: unravelling the Greek and Latin languages’ contributions in marine taxa nomenclature
Zoological Journal of the Linnean Society,
Journal Year:
2024,
Volume and Issue:
202(4)
Published: Dec. 1, 2024
Abstract
Etymology
is
a
key
component
in
zoological
nomenclature,
often
carrying
information
for
an
organism.
Greek
and
Latin
languages
have
been
used
centuries
synthesizing
names.
However,
there
are
surprisingly
few
studies
about
each
language’s
contribution,
which
crucial
avoiding
misunderstandings
around
names’
meaning
origin.
This
study
examined
the
publications
that
described
1328
valid
Echinodermata
genera
presents
results
425
where
etymology
was
provided
by
authors.
The
analysis
showed
63.8%
of
names
were
composed
exclusively
elements,
28.0%
hybrid,
6.1%
‘other’,
2.1%
Latin.
Language
elements
formation
(68.1%),
‘other’
(17.2%),
or
(14.7%).
contribution
decreased
after
1960,
while
presence
hybrid
increased.
A
decrease
morphological
also
observed
accompanied
increased
use
scientists’
surnames.
Etymological
has
unravelled
addressed
long-lasting
misconceptions
commonly
terminology.
number
1960;
this
practice
needs
to
be
sustained
as
etymological
transparency
advances
knowledge
minimizes
risk
development
misleading
concepts
nomenclature.
Language: Английский
Call me by your name: Considerations of DNA sequences as types within wider discussions on fungal nomenclature
Mycology: An International Journal on Fungal Biology,
Journal Year:
2023,
Volume and Issue:
15(2), P. 137 - 143
Published: Dec. 25, 2023
This
paper
discusses
the
interaction
between
two
substantial
debates
in
taxonomy
and
nomenclature:
The
potential
introduction
of
DNA-only
types
into
fungal
whether
certain
species
names
are
offensive
should
be
changed.
It
argues
that
acceptance
DNA
sequences
as
will
likely
lead
to
a
proliferation
eponyms
(species
named
after
person
or
persons)
this
render
them
more
censure
thus
creating
point
instability
nomenclature.
More
fundamentally,
it
seeks
highlight
cultural
aesthetic
attraction
promote
wider
conversation
on
why
we
consider
Latin
binomial
central
our
description
species.
Language: Английский