Nomenclature versus Taxonomy

[christian thompson]

Yes, Ron, is exactly correct.

Again Martin tends to confuse taxonomy with nomenclature, but they are
totally separate.

Within ONE taxonomy / classification, the rules of nomenclature do
state that there can be only one valid name for a taxon. BUT the ICZN
make it very clear in its preamble that "none  [of its provisions]
restricts the freedom of taxonomic thought or action." So, zoologists
may differ on what is a valid taxon and, therefore, valid name for a
taxon may vary according its definition [=circumscription in Botany].

And Martin thinks most recent means the best taxonomy which is simply
naive. Every paper must be evaluated on its merits. And the simply fact
that so many junior synonyms have discovered and are now accepted by all
is proof that the most recent paper does not always represent the best
taxonomy.

Oh, well ...



F. Christian Thompson
Systematic Entomology Lab., USDA
c/o Smithsonian Institution
MRC-0169 NHB
PO Box 37012
Washington, DC 20013-7012
(202) 382-1800 voice
(202) 786-9422 FAX
cthompso at sel.barc.usda.gov e-mail
www.diptera.org  web site

>>> Ron Gatrelle <gatrelle at TILS-TTR.ORG> 05/03/05 11:53AM >>>
----- Original Message -----
From: "Edwards, G.B." <edwardg at DOACS.STATE.FL.US>
Subject: Re: any official terminology? Nomenclature versus Taxonomy

snip

 I might disagree in principle with the concept that several
valid combinations could be in existence simultaneously, since it
could
be argued that the most recently published combination should be the
valid one.  But if that always was strictly followed, inadvertent
changes would be made too many times by authors who were not aware of
the most recent literature.
************

To all:
Since I am just getting to emails and starting at the oldest and
working my
way up, various points may have already been commented on and clarified
or
settled.    But coming in late....   The term "valid" is another like
"official" that has different meanings and is thus subjective due to
the
(unknown) interpretations of the speakers and hearers.   Per the ZN
Code,
there can only be one "valid" species name for a taxon.   So in that
sense,
no there can not be several simultaneously valid specific names.  But
in
regard to species genus combinations there can be several valid
combinations because these are a matter of taxonomic concept.   Here is
a
simple example -- Aus bus or  Gus bus or Aus (Gus) bus.    None of
these
are "wrong".  Thus, all are valid, each to the concept of the
taxonomist
that employs it as such.

Ron Gatrelle