A Brief Review of

PROCEDURES IN

TAXOMONY

PART 2, SynonymiesGEOL 3213

SYNONYMY• Synonym(s)– 2 or more names for the same taxon– Arrange synonymy according to chronology of usage • Brief bibliographic citations• Complete references can be given at end of report

• Published citations only– No unpublished citations• No theses, personal notes, etc• No informal newletters, etc.

– Recognized publications (Museum, Society, University, etc.)

– Significant number of copies (at least 100's to preferably 1000's)

– Distributed widely (preferably worldwide, at least over a large region)

SYNONYMY• Law of priority - 1st name is the only valid name!• Valid name– Has clear title to a species, etc.– There is only one valid name!– It is • Neither a synonym (for another taxon )• Nor a homonym (for several taxa)

• Homonym– Same name for 2 or more taxa– Could be spelled differently, but sounds the same

• Occupied name– A name is occupied once it is published– Even if it is a synonym or homonym!

SYNONYMY• Objective synonym= based on same type material

( ="primary" materials) as an earlier named form• Subjective synonym = based on material from another

location, i. e., based on different specimens • Junior objective synonym = later of the two names,

based on identical material• Junior subjective synonym = later of two names, based

on different material

• So the valid name is the “senior” synonym!

Example of a Synonymy Three genera, one specific name, different authors, note

order by dates, reference information given in a brief citation:

Ellipsonodosaria verneuili (d'Orbigny)

Dentalina verneuili d'Orbigny, 1846, Foram. Foss. Bass. Tert. Vienne, p. 48, pl. 2, figs. 7, 8.

Nodosaria verneuili (d'Orb.). Nuttall, 1928, Quart. Jour. Geol. Soc., vol. 84, p. 81, pl. 4, figs. 14, 15.

END OF FILE