Prokaryotic names: the bold and the beautiful

Area of Science:

• Microbiology
• Taxonomy
• Nomenclature

Background:

• Annually, approximately 170 new prokaryotic genera and 1020 new species names are added to the official list.
• Current naming practices often result in unoriginal epithets, recycling existing terms.
• The International Code of Nomenclature of Prokaryotes (ICNP) provides guidelines for naming new taxa.

Purpose of the Study:

• To highlight the potential for creating more original and attractive names within prokaryotic nomenclature.
• To encourage researchers to explore creative naming strategies allowed by the ICNP.
• To demonstrate that interesting names are possible and have been used.

Main Methods:

• Surveying lists of prokaryotic genus and species names.
• Analyzing the application of the ICNP rules in existing nomenclature.
• Presenting an annotated selection of attractive prokaryotic names.

Main Results:

• A significant number of unoriginal names are currently in use.
• The ICNP rules offer ample opportunities for creative and original name creation.
• Examples of attractive and original prokaryotic names exist, demonstrating feasibility.

Conclusions:

• Researchers are urged to dedicate more effort to crafting original and engaging names for new prokaryotic taxa.
• Effective name creation requires knowledge of Classical Greek and Latin, and adherence to ICNP guidelines.
• More attractive prokaryotic names can enhance general interest in the field of prokaryotic nomenclature.