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PALEONTOLOGICAL MUSEUM and STUDY COLLECTIONS
A. Hugh Adams Central Campus - John H. Payne Hall
The system of nomenclature used today was introduced in the 1700's by the Swedish naturalist Carolus Linnaeus (1701-1778). It uses two names (binomial), the first, capitalized, the generic name (genus) and the second in lower case the specific name (species). The Kingdoms or largest grouping of specimens are subdivided into Phyla which are further subdivided into Classes, Orders, Families, Genera, and species. There may also be super- and sub-divisions as well.
In the case of living species, the species unit (fundamental unit) is usually defined as the interfertility of its individual members. In paleontological classification, a species is defined by its statistical measurement of variation of its members. When there are not enough individual specimens, emphasis is placed on the corresponding characteristics that may indicate that certain individuals belong to the same species.
The name is given by the discoverer of the species which is then Latinized. Paleontologists may also use qualifying terms such as "cf" or "aff" (Homotherium cf. crenatidens) indicating a similarity or affinity to another species at the same time, admitting that the organism in question does not possess characteristics that match exactly with those of the species they have been associated.
The proper way to classify and name zoological specimens including fossils, the International Commission on Zoological Nomenclature (ICZN) determines the code by which all scientists abide.
ICZN (International Code of Zoological Nomenclature)
PREAMBLE
The International Code of Zoological Nomenclature is the system of rules and recommendations originally adopted by the International Congresses of Zoology and, since 1973, by the International Union of Biological Sciences (IUBS).
The objects of the Code are to promote stability and universality in the scientific names of animals and to ensure that the name of each taxon is unique and distinct. All its provisions and recommendations are subservient to those ends and none restricts the freedom of taxonomic thought or actions.
Priority of publication is a basic principle of zoological nomenclature; however, under conditions prescribed in the Code its application may be modified to conserve a long-accepted name in its accustomed meaning. When stability of nomenclature is threatened in an individual case, the strict application of the Code may under specified conditions be suspended by the International Commission on Zoological Nomenclature.
Precision and consistency in the use of terms are essential to a code of nomenclature. The meanings given to terms used in this Code are those shown in the Glossary. Both this Preamble and the Glossary are integral parts of the Code's provisions.
The International Commission on Zoological Nomenclature is the author of the Code.
(reprinted from the ICZN website)
To view the entire code or to order a copy, please visit the ICZN website.
Broward College A. Hugh Adams Central Campus |
A. Hugh Adams Central Campus
3501 SW Davie Road
John H. Payne Hall, Building 7
Davie, FL 33314