[Taxacom] Drosophila versus Sophophora ICZN decision

[Chris Thompson]

Sorry, Frank,

The reason I believe most commissioners voted to retain the original and 
proper type species of Drosophila is that one would then be able to 
distinguish which classification one was following:

That is, the more "recent" splitters' classification, in which the name is, 
Sophophora melanogaster (Meigen), or the more traditional, conservative 
lumpers' classification, where Drosophilia melanogaster Meigen is the proper 
name. If the type-species was changed it would have been impossible to tell 
what classification was being used.

And also a respect for the difference between Nomenclature and Taxonomy.

Yes, many taxonomists today are splitters, thinking that cutting up large 
groups is better and obviously generates higher impact factors. But real 
users prefer large groups as they are more stable and preserve usage.

Google the names Drosophila melanogaster (4,410,00 hits) versus Sophophora 
melanogaster (60,900 hits).

Oh, well ...

Chris

F. Christian Thompson
retired Commissioner, editorial committee, etc., of ICZN

-----Original Message----- 
From: Frank.Krell at dmns.org
Sent: Sunday, April 07, 2013 8:18 PM
To: kim at kimvdlinde.com ; taxacom at mailman.nhm.ku.edu
Subject: Re: [Taxacom] Generic type of large genus belongs in different 
genus

There were a few ICZN Commissioners who voted *for* the Drosophila case. 
Other, lower profile cases went through with changing a type species by 
plenary power. I do not at all understand why the Drosophila case had this 
unfortunate outcome, but there we go. We decide on a case by case basis.You 
cannot conclude from the outcome of one Case on the outcome of another Case.
Frank

Dr. Frank-T. Krell
Curator of Entomology
Commissioner, International Commission on Zoological Nomenclature
Chair, ICZN ZooBank Committee
Department of Zoology
Denver Museum of Nature & Science
2001 Colorado Boulevard
Denver, CO 80205-5798 USA
Frank.Krell at dmns.org
Phone: (+1) (303) 370-8244
Fax: (+1) (303) 331-6492
http://www.dmns.org/science/museum-scientists/frank-krell
lab page: http://www.dmns.org/krell-lab
The Denver Museum of Nature & Science aspires to create a community of 
critical thinkers who understand the lessons of the past and act as 
responsible stewards of the future.


________________________________________
From: taxacom-bounces at mailman.nhm.ku.edu 
[taxacom-bounces at mailman.nhm.ku.edu] On Behalf Of Kim van der Linde 
[kim at kimvdlinde.com]
Sent: Sunday, April 07, 2013 6:01 PM
To: taxacom at mailman.nhm.ku.edu
Subject: Re: [Taxacom] Generic type of large genus belongs in different 
genus

On 4/7/2013 6:45 PM, Ken Kinman wrote:
> Hi Alan,
>
> Given that this type species is relatively unknown, and that it is
> going to cause messes for both the old large genus and the newly
> named small genus, I would be very tempted to petition the
> International Commission to have a new type species designated for
> the larger genus.  This would protect the large genus from many name
> changes, as well as the new small genus (which already has a type
> species).  Probably would be best to consult other authorities in
> advance of such a petition to determine what would be an appropriate
> choice for the new type species.  I would be hesitant to just let the
> problem fester waiting for a generic revision that apparently isn't
> coming anytime in the near future.

Maybe it is was the botanical commission it could work. The zoologists
could not even muster to protect Drosophila melanogaster, so do not
expect much from them..... ;-)

Kim

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