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Data in this glossary is taken from the International Code of Zoological Nomenclature (ICZN) 4th Edn.
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A shortened form of a word or title. In zoological works genus-group names are often abbreviated to one or two letters; such abbreviations should always be followed by a full stop (period), and they should not be used on the first mention of the name. The same applies to abbreviations of specific names cited in trinominal names of subspecies.
A term used to denote a class of individuals within a species. A name which explicitly refers to an aberration unequivocally treated as an infrasubspecific entity (q.v.) is unavailable.
A published act which affects the nomenclatural status (q.v.) of a scientific name or the typification of a nominal taxon.
available nomenclatural act. One that is published in an available work.
invalid nomenclatural act. Any available nomenclatural act that is not valid under the provisions of the Code.
unavailable nomenclatural act. One published in an unavailable work.
valid nomenclatural act. One that is to be accepted under the provisions of the Code (i.e. the earliest available nomenclatural act, relevant to a particular name or nominal taxon, which does not contravene any provision of the Code).
To use an unavailable name as the valid name of a taxon in a way which establishes it as a new name with its own authorship and date [Arts. 11.6, 45.5.1., 45.6.4.1].
Agreement in grammatical gender between a generic name and Latin or latinized adjectival or participial species-group names combined with it originally or subsequently.
A group of species, other than a subgenus, within a genus; or a group of species within a subgenus; or a group of subspecies within a species. An aggregate may be denoted by a species-group name interpolated in parentheses [Art. 6.2].
For the purposes of the Code the term "animal" includes the Metazoa and protistan taxa whenever they are or have been treated as animals for nomenclatural purposes.
Animals distinguished from wild progenitors by characters resulting from the selective actions (deliberate or not) of humans (e.g. Canis familiaris, Felis catus, Bos taurus).
(1) Of a work: one that does not state the name(s) of the author(s). (2) Of a name or nomenclatural act: one of which the authorship cannot be determined from the work itself [Art. 50.1]; see Article 14 for the availability of anonymous names or nomenclatural acts. (3) Of an author: one whose identity cannot be determined from the work itself.
The mandatory provisions of the Code.
A Latin term meaning "of authors", often given to indicate that a name is used in the sense of a number of subsequent authors and not in its (different) sense as established by the original author.
The person(s) to whom a work, a scientific name, or a nomenclatural act is attributed [Arts. 50, 51] (see also anonymous). For the purposes of the Code, if a work is attributed to an editor, or an official (e.g. Secretary), or a body (e.g. a committee or a commission), only that person(s) actually responsible for the work, name, or act, is deemed to be the author [Art. 50].
(1) Of a work: see under work. (2) Of a name: see under name. (3) Of a nomenclatural act: see under act.
The combination of two names, the first being a generic name and the second a specific name, that together constitute the scientific name of a species [Art. 5.1]. Any interpolated names [Art. 6] are not counted as components of a binomen.
In social insects, a group of individuals, belonging to a particular species or subspecies, differing in form and often in function from other groups of individuals within the same species or subspecies (e.g. in bees: the workers, drones, and queens).
(1) A change in the spelling of the suffix of a family-group name required by Article 34.1. (2) A change in the ending of a specific or subspecific name required by Article 34.2.
(1) An abbreviation of the title International Code of Zoological Nomenclature; (2) a reference to that and other International Codes of taxonomic nomenclature (i.e. those regulating the scientific names used in bacteriology and botany).
The association of a generic name and a specific name to form the name of a species; or of a generic name with a specific name and a subspecific name to form the name of a subspecies.
new combination. The first combination of a generic name and a previously established species-group name.
An abbreviation meaning "The International Commission on Zoological Nomenclature" [Art. 77.1].
To set aside or modify any provision of the Code so as, e.g. (1) to preserve or permit the use of a name as a valid name by removing the obstacles to such use, or (2) to preserve the use of a name in a taxonomic sense that would otherwise be incorrect, or (3) to deem a work to be published or available despite its not satisfying the normal criteria. In each case conservation is by a ruling of the Commission using its plenary power.
Of a work (and of a contained name and nomenclatural act): the date on which copies of the work become available by purchase or free distribution. If the actual date is not known, the date to be adopted is regulated by the provisions of Article 21.2-7.
A provisional amendment to the Code, published by the Commission [Arts. 78.3.2, 80.1].
A statement in words of taxonomic characters of a specimen or a taxon [Arts. 12, 13].
original description. The description of a nominal taxon when it is established.
The nomenclatural act of an author or the Commission in fixing, by an express statement, the name-bearing type of a newly or previously established nominal genus, subgenus, species, or subspecies. See also act, fixation, and indication.
original designation. The designation of the name-bearing type of a nominal taxon when it is established. [Arts. 68.1, 73.1.1].
subsequent designation. The designation of the name-bearing type of a nominal taxon published after the nominal taxon was established [Arts. 69.1, 74, 75].
A statement in words that purports to give those characters which differentiate the taxon from other taxa with which it is likely to be confused.
(1) Any intentional change in the original spelling of an available name [Art. 33.2.]. (2) An available name formed by intentionally changing the original spelling of an available name.
justified emendation. The correction of an incorrect original spelling [Art. 33.2.2].
unjustified emendation. Any emendation other than a justified emendation [Art. 33.2.3].
(1) The letters at the end of a genus-group name (which must be, or be treated as, a singular noun in the nominative case - Article 11.8) which indicate the gender of the word; see Article 30.2 for the genders indicated by the endings of words not found in Latin or Greek dictionaries. (2) The letters at the end of a Latin or latinized adjectival species-group name which must agree in gender form with the gender of the generic name with which the species-group name is combined (see Article 31.2).
(1) The letters at the end of a species-group name which, if the name is the genitive case of the name of one or more persons, or a place, host or other entity associated with the taxon, form the genitive case and reflect the gender and number (e.g. -i if of a man, -ae if of a woman, -orum if of men or of men and women together, -arum if of women) [Art. 31.1.2]. (2) The letters at the end of the genitive case of a Latin or Greek generic name which are deleted [Article 29.3] to form a stem, before adding a suffix to form a family-group name.
Of a name or nominal taxon: to make the name of a nominal taxon available by satisfying the requirements of the Code.
(1) Denoting a work, name or act which is to be ignored for purposes of zoological nomenclature, either (a) under the provisions of the Code or (b) because of a disclaimer [Arts. 8.2, 8.3]. (2) Denoting a specimen or component which has been explicitly omitted or removed from a type series or a name-bearing type [Arts. 72.4.1, 73.1.5].
(1) Of a taxon: having living representatives. (2) Of a specimen: still in existence.
(1) A rank within the family group between superfamily and subfamily. (2) A taxon at the rank of family.
In the hierarchy of classification, the highest-ranking group of taxa whose names are fully regulated by the Code. The family group includes taxa at the ranks of superfamily, family, subfamily, tribe, and any other rank below superfamily and above the genus group that may be required, such as subtribe [Art. 35.1].
A general term for the determination of a name-bearing type, whether by original designation or by any other means. See also designation [Arts. 68.1, 69.1, 73-75], monotypy [Arts. 68.3, 69.3] and tautonymy [Arts. 68.4, 68.5].
The supposed fixation of a type species by the subsequent transfer of all but one of the originally included nominal species from a genus. Not in itself an available method of type fixation [Art. 69.4; but see Article 69.1.1].
(1) The rank within the genus group next below the family group and above subgenus. (2) A taxon at the rank of genus.
In the hierarchy of classification the group of taxa ranked between the family group and the species group. The genus group includes taxa at the ranks of genus and subgenus [Art. 42.1]. Names for collective groups, and for ichnotaxa established at the genus-group level, are treated as genus-group names [Art. 42.2.1].
An assemblage of taxa. See also family group, genus group, and species group.
collective group. An assemblage of species, or stages of organisms (e.g. eggs or larvae), that cannot be allocated with confidence to nominal genera. Names proposed or used for collective groups are treated as genus-group names but special provisions apply to them (see Article 42.2.1).
taxonomic group. A taxon or assemblage of taxa; e.g. the taxonomic group Insecta consists of all insects and the taxa in which they are classified. See taxonomic field, under field.
A system of classification based on a sequence of taxonomic categories ranked by their increasing levels of inclusiveness - see taxon.
(1) In the family group: each of two or more available names having the same spelling, or differing only in suffix, and denoting different nominal taxa. (2) In the genus group: each of two or more available names having the same spelling, and denoting different nominal taxa. (3) In the species group: each of two or more available specific or subspecific names having the same spelling, or spellings deemed under Article 58 to be the same, and established for different nominal taxa, and either originally (primary homonymy) or subsequently (secondary homonymy) combined with the same generic name [Art. 53.3]. For examples, see Article 53.1 for family-group names, Article 53.2 for genus-group names, and Article 53.3 for species-group names.
junior homonym. Of two homonyms: the later established, or in the case of simultaneous establishment the one not given precedence under Article 24.
primary homonym. Each of two or more identical specific or subspecific names established for different nominal taxa and originally combined with the same generic name [Art. 57.2]. For variant spellings deemed to be identical see Article 58.
secondary homonym. Each of two or more identical specific or subspecific names established for different nominal taxa and originally combined with different generic names but subsequently combined with the same generic name [Art. 57.3]. For variant spellings deemed to be identical see Article 58.
senior homonym. Of two homonyms: the first established, or in the case of simultaneous establishment the one given precedence under Article 24.
(1) The relationship between homonyms. (2) The state of being homonymous.
A Latin term meaning "of uncertain taxonomic position".
A reference to previously published information, or a published act, which in the absence of a definition or description allows a name proposed before 1931, and that otherwise satisfies the relevant provisions of Articles 10 and 11, to be available [Art. 12.2]. See also Article 13.6.1.
Of a rank, taxon, or name: one at a rank lower than that of a subspecies. Names of infrasubspecific entities (q.v.) are not regulated by the Code [Art. 1.3.4].
(1) Taxa below the rank of subspecies. (2) Specimen(s) within a species differing from other specimens in consequence of intrapopulational variability (e.g. opposite sexes, castes, gynandromorphs and intersexes, aberrant individuals, age and seasonal forms, variants of noninterrupted variability or polymorphism, differing generations).
Of an available name or a nomenclatural act: one that is not valid under the Code.
A Latin term meaning "slip (or slips) of the pen", i.e. an error (or errors) made by an author in writing a text, such as a misspelling of a name; contrasted with copyist's or printer's errors [Art. 32.5.1].
The cumulative term for those parts of the List of Available Names in Zoology which have been adopted by the Commission under Article 79.
A mark to indicate different pronunciations of a letter or a different letter (such as an accent, cedilla, tilde, umlaut, etc.).
Those multicellular organisms which for nomenclatural purposes are treated as animals.
To apply, deliberately or otherwise, a name in a sense which is not correct under the provisions of the Code (e.g. in a manner not in accord with the name-bearing type).
The situation arising (1) when an author establishes a nominal genus or subgenus for what he or she considers to be a single taxonomic species and denotes that species by an available name (the nominal species so named is the type-species by monotypy) [Art. 68.3]; or (2) when an author bases a nominal species-group taxon on a single specimen but does not explicitly designates it as holotype (holotype by monotypy; see Article 73.1.2).
subsequent monotypy. The situation arising when a nominal genus or subgenus was established before 1931 without any included nominal species, and when only a single taxonomic species denoted by an available name was first subsequently referred to it [Art. 69.3].
(1) (general) A word, or ordered sequence of words, conventionally used to denote and identify a particular entity (e.g. a person, place, object, concept). (2) Equivalent to scientific name (q.v.). (3) An element of the name of a species-group taxon: see generic name, subgeneric name, specific name, subspecific name.
available name. A scientific name applied to an animal taxon that is not excluded under Article 1.3 and that conforms to the provisions of Articles 10 to 20.
binominal name. See binomen.
collective-group name. The name of a collective group (see under group).
compound name. See compound.
conserved name. A name otherwise unavailable or invalid that the Commission, by the use of its plenary power, has enabled to be used as a valid name by removal of the known obstacles to such use (see conserve).
excluded name. A name that under Article l.3 cannot be an available name, or one that has been disclaimed (see Articles 8.2, 8.3). family name or name of a family. A scientific name of a taxon at the rank of family. Such names have the suffix -IDAE. family-group name. A scientific name of any taxon of the family group.
generic name, or genus name, or name of a genus. (1) A scientific name of a taxon at the rank of genus. (2) The first name of a binomen or a trinomen [Art. 5].
genus-group name. A scientific name of any genus or subgenus, including names for collective groups and for ichnotaxa at the genus-group level.
inappropriate name. A name that denotes a character, a quality, or an origin not possessed by the taxon bearing that name.
infraspecific name. A general term for any name below the rank of species. The term includes subspecific and infrasubspecific names.
infrasubspecific name. A name applied to an infrasubspecific entity.
interpolated name. A name placed within parentheses (1) after a generic name to denote a subgenus, (2) after a genus-group name to denote an aggregate of species, or (3) after a specific name to denote an aggregate of subspecies [Art. 6]. Names used in this way are not counted as one of the names in a binomen or trinomen.
invalid name. An available name which either (1) is objectively invalid (i.e. it is a junior homonym or a junior objective synonym of a potentially valid name, or must be rejected under the provisions of the Code, or has been suppressed by the Commission), or (2) is subjectively invalid (because it is considered subjectively to be a junior synonym or to be inapplicable to a particular taxonomic taxon).
new replacement name (nomen novum). A name established expressly to replace an already established name. A nominal taxon denoted by a new replacement name (nomen novum) has the same name-bearing type as the nominal taxon denoted by the replaced name [Arts. 67.8, 72.7]. See emendation, substitute name.
new scientific name. A scientific name, available or unavailable, when first proposed for a taxon.
potentially valid name. An available name which is not objectively invalid.
rejected name. (1) A name which, under the provisions of the Code, cannot be used as a valid name and which is set aside in favour of another name. (2) A name which, as a matter of taxonomic judgment, is either treated as a junior subjective synonym (q.v.) of a name used as valid or is believed not to be applicable to the taxon under consideration.
replacement name. See new replacement name (nomen novum) and substitute name.
scientific name. Of a taxon: a name that conforms to Article 1, as opposed to a vernacular name. The scientific name of a taxon at any rank above the species group consists of one name; that of a species, two names (a binomen); and that of a subspecies, three names (a trinomen) [Arts. 4 and 5]. A scientific name is not necessarily available.
species name or name of a species. A scientific name of a taxon at the rank of species. A binomen, the combination of a generic name and a specific name (an interpolated name, such as a subgeneric name or an interpolated species-group name [Art. 6], when used, is not counted as one of the names in a binomen).
species-group name. A specific name or a subspecific name.
specific name. The second name in a binomen and in a trinomen [Art. 5].
subfamily name or name of a subfamily. A scientific name of taxon at the rank of subfamily. Such names have the suffix -INAE.
subgeneric name, or subgenus name, or name of a subgenus. A scientific name of a taxon at the rank of subgenus.
subspecies name or name of a subspecies. (1) A scientific name of a taxon at the rank of subspecies. (2) A trinomen, the combination of a generic name, a specific name, and a subspecific name (an interpolated name, such as a subgeneric name or an interpolated species-group name [Art. 6] is not counted as one of the names in a trinomen). subspecific name. The third name in a trinomen [Art. 5.2].
substitute name. Any available name, whether new or not, used to replace an older available name. See emendation, new replacement name (nomen novum), synonym.
subtribe name or name of a substribe. A scientific name of a taxon at the rank of subtribe. Such names have the suffix -INA.
superfamily name or name of a superfamily. A scientific name of a taxon at the rank of superfamily. Such names have the suffix -OIDEA.
suppressed name. See suppression.
tautonymous name. See tautonymy.
tribe name or name of a tribe. The scientific name of a taxon at the rank of tribe. Such names have the suffix -INI.
trinominal name. See trinomen.
unavailable name. A scientific name that does not conform to Articles 10 to 20, or that is an excluded name under Article 1.3.
uninominal name. A scientific name consisting of one word and used for a taxon of higher rank than the species group [Art. 4.1].
valid name. The correct name for a taxonomic taxon, i.e. the oldest potentially valid name of a name-bearing type which falls within an author's concept of the taxon (but see under Principle of Priority).
vernacular name. A name of an animal or animals in a language used for general purposes as opposed to a name proposed only for zoological nomenclature.
zoological name. The scientific name of an animal taxon in binominal nomenclature.
A Latin term meaning "a name of unknown or doubtful application".
A Latin term equivalent to "new replacement name".
A Latin term referring to a name that, if published before 1931, fails to conform to Article 12; or, if published after 1930, fails to conform to Article 13. A nomen nudum is not an available name, and therefore the same name may be made available later for the same or a different concept; in such a case it would take authorship and date [Arts. 50, 21] from that act of establishment, not from any earlier publication as a nomen nudum.
A Latin term (meaning "forgotten name") applied after 1 January 2000 to a name, unused since 1899, which as a result of an action taken under Article 23.9.2 does not take precedence over a younger synonym or homonym in prevailing usage; the younger name which takes precedence over the nomen oblitum may be called a nomen protectum (q.v.). The term nomen oblitum was also applied to a disused senior synonym rejected between 6 November 1961 and 1 January 1973 under Article 23b of the Code editions then in force (see Article 23.12.2). Nomina oblita remain available names; see Articles 23.9 and 23.12 for conditions controlling their use as valid names.
A Latin term (meaning "protected name") applied to a name which has been given precedence over its unused senior synonym or senior homonym relegated to the status of nomen oblitum (q.v., and see Article 23.9.2).
A term used in previous editions of the Code for nominotypical.
Demonstrably true, not a matter of individual opinion; for contrast with subjective.
An abbreviated title for any of the four Indexes, maintained and published by the Commission, citing works or names that have been rejected by rulings of the Commission. For the status of names cited in the Indexes, and of names and nomenclatural acts in works cited in the Indexes, see Article 80.7. The full titles of the Indexes are:
Official Index of Rejected and Invalid Works in Zoological Nomenclature.
Official Index of Rejected and Invalid Family-Group Names in Zoology.
Official Index of Rejected and Invalid Generic Names in Zoology.
Official Index of Rejected and Invalid Specific Names in Zoology.
An abbreviated title for any of the four Lists, maintained and published by the Commission, citing available works or names that have been ruled upon in the Opinions of the Commission. For the status of works, names, and nomenclatural acts in the Lists see Article 80.6. The full titles of the Lists are:
Official List of Works Approved as Available for Zoological Nomenclature.
Official List of Family-Group Names in Zoology.
Official List of Generic Names in Zoology.
Official List of Specific Names in Zoology.
(See also List of Available Names in Zoology).
A formal publication by the Commission containing a ruling that applies, interprets, or suspends provisions of the Code in a case affecting one or more stated names, nomenclatural acts or works. An Opinion states how the Code is to be applied or interpreted, or the course to be followed, in the particular case [Art. 80.2-5].
Of a nominal genus-group taxon: the nominal species deemed to be originally included under Article 67.2.
The power of the Commission to suspend or modify the application of Articles 1 to 76 of the Code in the way which it considers necessary to serve the interests of stability and universality of nomenclature in a particular case. See Articles 78 and 81.
The order of seniority of available names or nomenclatural acts determined (1) by application of the Principle of Priority as specified in Article 23, or (2), in the case of simultaneously published names or acts, as specified in Article 24, or (3) by a ruling of the Commission using its plenary power.
The principle that the scientific name of a species, and not of a taxon at any other rank, is a combination of two names (a binomen, q.v.); the use of a trinomen (q.v.) for the name of a subspecies and of uninominal names for taxa above the species group is in accord with the Principle. See Articles 5, 11.4.
The principle that within the family group, genus group or species group a name established for a taxon at any rank in the group is deemed to be simultaneously established with the same author and date for taxa based on the same name-bearing type at other ranks in the group [Arts. 36, 43, 46].
The principle that the relative precedence of two or more names or nomenclatural acts published on the same date, or of different original spellings of the same name, is determined by the First Reviser [Art. 24.2].
The principle that the name of each taxon must be unique. Consequently a name that is a junior homonym of another name must not be used as a valid name [Art. 52].
The principle that the valid name of a taxon is the oldest available name applied to it (taking into consideration the other provisions of Article 23), provided that the name is not invalidated by any provision of the Code or by any ruling by the Commission [Art. 23].
The principle that each nominal taxon in the family group, genus group or species group has, actually or potentially, a name-bearing type fixed to provide the objective standard of reference by which the application of the name is determined [Art. 61] (see typification).
The production of numerous identical copies of text or illustrations on paper. For the purposes of the Code, photography (i.e. the production of images on light-sensitive paper) does not constitute printing [Art. 9.2].
Seniority fixed by the date of availability.
(1) Any published work. (2) The issuing of a work conforming to Articles 8 and 9.
date. See under date of publication.
original publication. (1) The work in which a name or nomenclatural act was first published. (2) Of a name or nomenclatural act: publication for the first time.
(1) To issue any publication. (2) To issue a work that conforms to Article 8 and is not excluded by the provisions of Article 9. (3) To make public in a work, conforming to (2) above, any names or nomenclatural acts or information affecting nomenclature.
The level, for nomenclatural purposes, of a taxon in a taxonomic hierarchy (e.g. all families are for nomenclatural purposes at the same rank, which lies between superfamily and subfamily). The ranks of the family group, the genus group, and the species group at which nominal taxa may be established are stated in Articles 10.3, 10.4, 35.1, 42.1 and 45.1.
An advisory statement in an Article of the Code. Recommendations are denoted by the number of the Article, are not mandatory and are distinguished from the mandatory provisions by a capital letter following the number of the Article (thus, Recommendation 40A).
A published citation referring to a publication.
With reference to a name previously rejected as being a junior secondary homonym: to treat it as a valid name if the conditions of Article 59.4 are met.
To set aside, in accord with the provisions of the Code and, in the case of a name, taxonomic judgement, (1) a work for the purposes of zoological nomenclature, or (2) a name in favour of another name. See rejected name, rejected work, suppression.
The first author to subsequently cite names (including different original spellings of the same name) or nomenclatural acts published on the same date and to select one of them to have precedence over the other(s). See Article 24.
The Articles of the Code but not titles, Recommendations, and Examples. The rules are mandatory. A term equivalent to provisions.
(1) A rank that if treated as a division of a genus or subgenus is deemed to be of subgeneric rank for the purposes of nomenclature [Art. 10.4]. (2) A taxon at the rank of section.
A Latin term meaning "in the sense of". Often used to refer to the usage of a name by a (cited) author in a sense different from that of the original author or some other previous author. See also auctorum.
A Latin term meaning "in the wide sense". Contrast with sensu stricto (s. str.).
A Latin term meaning "in the strict sense". Often used in conjunction with a name when referring to the nominal taxon in the narrow sense of its subordinate nominotypical taxon (contrast with sensu lato (s. lat.)).
A copy (reprint or offprint) of a work contained in a periodical, book or other larger work, intended for distribution (usually privately by the author(s)) detached from the larger work which contains it but without its own specified date of publication (imprint date). The advance distribution of separates after 1999 does not constitute publication for purposes of zoological nomenclature. See preprint.
(1) The rank next below the genus group; the basic rank of zoological classification. (2) A taxon at the rank of species.
In the zoological classification, the lowest-ranking group of taxa the names of which are regulated by the Code. The species group includes all taxa at the ranks of species and subspecies [Art. 45.1].
A Latin term meaning a species of doubtful identity needing further investigation.
The choice and arrangement of the letters that form a word.
correct original spelling. The spelling of an available name when it is established, unless it is demonstrably incorrect under Article 32.5.
incorrect original spelling. An original spelling that is incorrect [Arts. 32.4 and 32.5].
incorrect subsequent spelling. Any change in the spelling of an available name other than a mandatory change or an emendation [Art. 33.3].
multiple original spellings. Two or more different original spellings for the same name [Art. 32.2.1].
original spelling. The spelling or one of the spellings of a name employed when it is established [Arts. 32.1, 32.2.1].
subsequent spelling. Any spelling of an available name other than an original spelling [Art. 33].
variant spellings. Different spellings of specific or subspecific names that are deemed to be identical for the purposes of the Principle of Homonymy [Art. 58].
(1) A family-group rank below family. (2) A taxon at the rank of subfamily.
(1) The genus-group rank below genus. (2) A taxon at the rank of subgenus.
Depending on judgement, a matter of individual opinion; for contrast with objective. See subjective synonym, under synonym.
(1) The species-group rank below species; the lowest rank at which names are regulated by the Code. (2) A taxon at the rank of subspecies.
(1) A family-group rank below tribe. (2) A taxon at the rank of subtribe. Names of subtribes have the suffix -INA.
(1) A family-group rank above family; the highest rank at which names are fully regulated by the Code. (2) A taxon at the rank of superfamily. Names of superfamilies have the suffix -OIDEA.
A ruling by the Commission, using its plenary power, (1) that a work is to be deemed, for nomenclatural purposes, as unpublished, or that names and acts in it are not available; or (2) that an available name is never to be used as valid because (a) it is available only for the purpose of homonymy ("partial suppression") or (b) it is not available for the purposes of priority and homonymy ("total suppression"; but a totally suppressed species-group name may still denote the type species of a nominal genus or subgenus [Art. 81.2.1]); or (3) that an available name is only to be used as valid under stated conditions (e.g. when not considered a synonym of a particular later name) ("conditional suppression").
Of a taxon: one at a rank higher than genus.
Each of two or more names of the same rank used to denote the same taxonomic taxon.
junior synonym. Of two synonyms: the later established, or in the case of simultaneous establishment that not given precedence under Article 24. See also Article 23.9.
objective synonym. Each of two or more synonyms that denote nominal taxa with the same name-bearing type, or (in the cases of family-group and genus-group taxa) that denote nominal taxa with name-bearing types whose own names are themselves objectively synonymous.
senior synonym. Of two synonyms: the earlier established, or in the case of simultaneous establishment that given precedence under Article 24. See also Article 23.9.
subjective synonym. Each of two or more names whose synonymy is only a matter of individual opinion, i.e. it is not objective. See also Article 61.3.1.
(1) The relationship between synonyms. (2) A list of synonyms.
The use of the same word for the name of a genus-group taxon and for the species-group name of one of its included species and/or subspecies.
absolute tautonymy. The identical spelling of a generic or subgeneric name and the specific or subspecific name of one of its originally included nominal species or subspecies [Arts. 18, 68.4].
Linnaean tautonymy. The identical spelling of a new generic or subgeneric name established before 1931 and a pre-1758 name cited as a synonym of only one of the species or subspecies originally included in that genus [Art. 68.5].
virtual tautonymy. The nearly identical spelling, or the same origin or meaning, of a generic or subgeneric name and the specific or subspecific name in a binomen or trinomen. Not a term regulated by the Code [but see Recommendation 69A.2].
A taxonomic unit, whether named or not: i.e. a population, or group of populations of organisms which are usually inferred to be phylogenetically related and which have characters in common which differentiate (q.v.) the unit (e.g. a geographic population, a genus, a family, an order) from other such units. A taxon encompasses all included taxa of lower rank (q.v.) and individual organisms. The Code fully regulates the names of taxa only between and including the ranks of superfamily and subspecies.
ichnotaxon, n. A taxon based on the fossilized work of an organism, including fossilized trails, tracks or burrows (trace fossils) made by an animal. See also work of an animal.
infrasubspecific taxon. A taxon at lower rank than that of subspecies. The names of such taxa are not regulated by the Code.
nominal taxon. A concept of a taxon which is denoted by an available name (e.g. Mollusca, Diptera, BOVIDAE, Papilio, Homo sapiens). Each nominal taxon in the family, genus or species groups is based on a name-bearing type (although in the latter two groups such a type may not have been actually fixed).
nominotypical taxon. The nominal taxon at a subordinate rank within the family group, the genus group, or the species group that contains the name-bearing type of a divided taxonomic taxon of that group. See Articles 37, 44 and 47.
subordinate taxon. A taxon at a lower rank than the taxon of the same coordinate group with which it is compared.
taxonomic taxon. A taxon (e.g. family, genus, species) including whatever nominal taxa and individuals a zoologist at any time considers it to contain in his or her endeavour to define the boundaries of a zoological taxon (q.v.). A taxonomic taxon is denoted by the valid name determined from the available names of its included nominal taxa.
zoological taxon. A natural taxon of animals (which may, or may not, have had a name applied to it).
The theory and practice of classifying organisms. See taxonomic information, taxonomic taxon.
Literal transcription; the replacement of the letters of one alphabet by equivalent letters of another. Scientific names must be written in Latin letters, hence names formed from words that are not Latin may require transliteration.
(1) A family-group rank below subfamily. (2) A taxon at the rank of tribe. Names of tribes have the suffix -INI.
The combination of a generic name, a specific name, and a subspecific name, that together constitute a scientific name of a subspecies [Art. 5.2].
A term used alone, or forming part of a compound term, to denote a particular kind of specimen or taxon.
allotype. A term, not regulated by the Code, for a designated specimen of opposite sex to the holotype [Recommendation 72A].
cotype. A term not recognized by the Code, formerly used for either syntype or paratype, but that should not now be used in zoological nomenclature [Recommendation 73E].
genotype. A term not recognized by the Code, formerly used for type species, but that should not now be used in zoological nomenclature [Recommendation 67A].
hapantotype. One or more preparations consisting of directly related individuals representing distinct stages in the life cycle, which together form the name-bearing type in an extant species of protistan [Art. 72.5.4]. A hapantotype, while a series of individuals, is a holotype that must not be restricted by lectotype selection; however, if a hapantotype is found to contain individuals of more than one species, components may be excluded until it contains individuals of only one species [Art. 73.3.2].
holotype. The single specimen (except in the case of a hapantotype, q.v.) designated or otherwise fixed as the name-bearing type of a nominal species or subspecies when the nominal taxon is established.
lectotype. A syntype designated as the single name-bearing type specimen subsequent to the establishment of a nominal species or subspecies [Art. 74].
name-bearing type. The type genus, type species, holotype, lectotype, series of syntypes (which together constitute the name-bearing type) or neotype that provides the objective standard of reference whereby the application of the name of a nominal taxon can be determined.
neotype. The single specimen designated as the name-bearing type of a nominal species or subspecies when there is a need to define the nominal taxon objectively and no name-bearing type is believed to be extant. If stability and universality are threatened, because an existing name-bearing type is either taxonomically inadequate or not in accord with the prevailing usage of a name, the Commission may use its plenary power to set aside that type and designate a neotype.
paralectotype. Each specimen of a former syntype series remaining after the designation of a lectotype [Art. 72.1.3, Recommendation 74F].
paratype. Each specimen of a type series other than the holotype [Recommendation 73D].
syntype. Each specimen of a type series (q.v.) from which neither a holotype nor a lectotype has been designated [Arts. 72.1.2, 73.2, 74]. The syntypes collectively constitute the name-bearing type.
topotype, n. (topotypic, a.). A term, not regulated by the Code, for a specimen originating from the type locality of the species or subspecies to which it is thought to belong, whether or not the specimen is part of the type series.
The nominal genus that is the name-bearing type of a nominal family-group taxon.
The geological stratum from which the name-bearing type of a nominal species or subspecies was collected.
The host species with which the name-bearing type of a nominal species or subspecies was associated [Recommendation 76A.1].
The geographical (and, where relevant, stratigraphical) place of capture, collection, or observation of the name-bearing type of a nominal species or subspecies [Art. 76.1, Recommendation 76A].
The series of specimens, defined in Articles 72.4 and 73.2, on which the original author bases a new nominal species-group taxon. In the absence of a holotype designation, any such specimen is eligible for subsequent designation as the name-bearing type (lectotype); pending lectotype designation, all the specimens of the type series are syntypes and collectively they constitute the name-bearing type. Excluded from the type series are any specimens that the original author expressly excludes or refers to as distinct variants, or doubtfully includes in the taxon.
The nominal species that is the name-bearing type of a nominal genus or subgenus.
A term used in previous editions of the Code for a holotype, lectotype or neotype, or for any syntype; also used generally for any specimen of the type series (q.v.).
The fixation of a name-bearing type of a nominal taxon so as to provide an objective standard of reference for the application of the name of a taxon (see Principle of Typification).
Of a name, nomenclatural act or work: see under those entries.
Consisting of a single name (e.g. names of the family group and of the genus group) [Art. 4].
Of an available name or a nomenclatural act: one that is acceptable under the provisions of the Code and, in the case of a name, which is the correct name of a taxon in an author's taxonomic judgment.
A term that if published after 1960 is deemed to denote infrasubspecific rank but that if published before 1961 is to be interpreted according to Article 45.6.3-4.
A vowel that joins two words to make a single word (see Article 58.12), but when the second of two combined words begins with a vowel, no connecting vowel is needed.
Any text or illustration, whether published, unpublished, or carrying a disclaimer (q.v.)
anonymous work. A published work in which the name(s) of its author(s) cannot be determined from the contents of the work.
available work. A published work in which, under the provisions of the Code, or by a ruling of the Commission, names or nomenclatural acts may be established.
conserved work. A work that the Commission has ruled to be an available work.
published work. See publish.
rejected work. Any work included by the Commission in the Official Index of Rejected and Invalid Works in Zoological Nomenclature.
suppressed work. A work that the Commission has ruled to be unpublished or unavailable.
unavailable work. A published work (q.v.) in which, under the provisions of the Code, or by a ruling of the Commission, names or nomenclatural acts cannot be established. Such works include those which (1) were issued before 1758 [Art. 3], or (2) do not consistently apply the Principle of Binominal Nomenclature (q.v.) [Art. 11.4], or (3) are published anonymously after 1950 [Art. 14], or (4) carry a disclaimer (q.v.), or (5) the Commission has ruled to be unavailable. For the use of information affecting nomenclature in unavailable works, see Articles 12.2.1, 12.2.7 and 13.1.2.
unpublished work. A work that is not published within the meanings of Articles 8 and 9, or which the Commission has ruled to be treated as unpublished.