Plant & Algal Systematics: Nomenclature

Flashcards covering nomenclature principles, genera and species naming, publication rules, and reassignment of taxa.

What is a genera in nomenclature?

The generic name is a singular Latinised noun, often followed by the date of publication.

What sources can be used when naming a genera?

Person of distinction (e.g., Haworthia), ancient common names (e.g., Asparagus), features of plants (e.g., Gasteria).

What are the rules for writing a genera?

It is written with an initial capital letter, may be abbreviated after being spelled out once, and is always underlined or italicized.

What is a specific epithet?

A Latinised noun or adjective that may not exactly repeat the generic name and is written in all lowercase.

How does the gender of a specific epithet agree with the generic name?

Masculine -us, feminine -a; named after a person ending in a vowel or -er it ends with -i; consonant endings add -ii; females end in -iae or -ae; geographical names end in -ensis, -nus, -inus, -ianus, or -icus.

What is the 'authority' in nomenclature?

It is the person or persons that indicates the author and may be abbreviated.

How many sets of authorities can a name have?

Two. If so, the first is always in parentheses.

How are author citations linked when names are published by two authors?

When names are published by two authors, the author citations are linked by either & or et.

What is the first principle of nomenclature?

Botanical nomenclature is independent of zoological nomenclature.

What is the 2nd principle of nomenclature?

The application of names of taxonomic groups is determined by means of nomenclatural types.

What are the different kinds of types in nomenclature?

Holotype, Lectotype, Isotype, Neotype, Syntype, Isosyntype, Paratype, Topotype, Iconotype.

What is the 3rd principle of nomenclature?

The nomenclature of a taxonomic group is based upon the priority of publication, beginning 1 May 1753 for vascular plants (Linnaeus).

What is the 4th principle of nomenclature?

Each taxonomic group with a particular circumscription, position, and rank can bear only one correct name.

What is the 5th principle of nomenclature?

Scientific names of taxonomic groups are treated as Latin regardless of their derivation.

What is the 6th principle of nomenclature?

The rules of nomenclature are retroactive unless expressly limited.

What makes a publication 'effective'?

Widely available printed journal.

What makes a publication 'valid'?

With description, diagnosis in Latin (since 1935), and assigned type (since 1958).

What does a diagnosis contain?

Life form, Sex, Stem, Roots, Leaves, Inflorescence, Flowers, Fruits, Seeds, Flowering time, Habitat, Distribution, Synonymy, Remarks, Major references.

What is a Basionym?

Original name assigned to type.

What is a Synonym?

Name other than the valid name.

What is a Later homonym?

Spelled like a valid name, based on a different type, published after the valid name.