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Issue: Vol. 5383 No. 2: 11 Dec. 2023
Type: Article
Published: 2023-12-11
DOI: 10.11646/zootaxa.5383.2.4
Page range: 167-178
Abstract views: 235
PDF downloaded: 18

Uncovering Rotifera, Cladocera and Copepoda name length patterns for enhanced scientific communication

Graduate Program in Ecology and Natural Resources; Department of Ecology and Evolutionary Biology; Federal University of São Carlos; UFSCar; São Carlos; Brazil; Institute of Biology; Freie Universität Berlin; Königin-Luise-Str. 1-3; Berlin 14195; Germany; Leibniz Institute of Freshwater Ecology and Inland Fisheries (IGB); Müggelseedamm 310; Berlin 12587; Germany
Royal Belgian Institute of Natural Sciences; OD Nature; Vautierstraat 29; B-1000 Brussels; Belgium
Rotifera copepods Diplostraca freshwater nomenclature Phylum Rotifers

Abstract

The motivations for describing species are multifaceted and extend beyond the scientific disciplines, promoting public engagement and enhancing biodiversity communication. We delve into the practices of naming species of Rotifera, Diplostraca (= Cladocera) and Copepoda, underpinning the effects of time, taxon group and the lengths of genus names on the length of specific names. Our investigation revolves around a comprehensive dataset comprising 6319 names described between 1758 and 2021 of Rotifers, Cladocera and Copepoda. The overall annual average hovers around a mean length of slightly over 10 and 8 letters, respectively, for genus names and specific names, although it varied noticeably across taxa. Notably, our findings reveal no substantial temporal variation in the length of specific names over the years of description. We found a positive although not significant relationship between the length of specific and genus names, suggesting that longer genus names may influence the choice of longer specific names. We support the recommendation by the International Commission on Zoological Nomenclature and existing related publications on this topic, to prioritize short names, emphasizing the importance of concise and ultimately the use of mnemonic names assigned to zooplankton species.

 

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