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¹Vertébrés: Reptiles et Amphibiens, USM 0602 Taxonomie et Collections, Département de Systématique et Evolution, Muséum national d'Histoire naturelle, 25 rue Cuvier, 75005 Paris, France. adubois@mnhn.frp

Molecular Phylogenetics and Evolution

|September 5, 2006

Summary

The study highlights the incompatibility of traditional nomenclature and Phylocode, advocating for clear distinction between onomatophore-based and definition-based scientific names for frogs. Proper application of zoological nomenclature rules is crucial to avoid publishing invalid names.

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Area of Science:

Zoology
Taxonomy
Phylogenetics

Background:

A new hypothesis on cladistic relationships within the frog genus Rana has been published, introducing a new taxonomy and nomenclature.
This publication brings attention to the challenges arising from the dual use of the International Code of Zoological Nomenclature (ICZN) and the draft Phylocode.

Purpose of the Study:

To address the incompatibility between onomatophore-based nomenclature (ICZN) and definition-based nomenclature (Phylocode).
To emphasize the need for clear distinction between these two nomenclatural systems in scientific publications.
To highlight potential issues arising from the combined use of both systems, such as the publication of nomina nuda and invalid ranks.

Main Methods:

Analysis of the recent publication on the phylogeny of New World true frogs (Rana).
Comparison of the theoretical bases and rules of the ICZN and the Phylocode.
Examination of the implications for scientific name validity, availability, and allocation.

Main Results:

The onomatophore-based and definition-based nomenclatural systems are fundamentally incompatible.
Scientific names under each system require distinct writing conventions (e.g., traditional Rana vs. Lithobates).
Improper application of nomenclature rules can lead to the publication of nomina nuda and the use of invalid taxonomic ranks.

Conclusions:

Clear differentiation between onomatophore-based and definition-based scientific names is essential.
Adherence to the ICZN rules is critical for ensuring the availability and validity of nomina.
The current ICZN prohibits the use of more than two ranks between genus and species.