Related Experiment Video
Updated: Aug 5, 2026
04:37
Reproductive Techniques for Ovarian Monitoring and Control in Amphibians
Published on: May 12, 2019
Nomina dubia and available names
Zeitschrift Fur Parasitenkunde (Berlin, Germany)
|January 1, 1980
Summary
The International Code of Zoological Nomenclature (ICZN) faces challenges with unavailable names, particularly nomina dubia. Changes are proposed to allow functional type designations for species, addressing issues with Sarcocystinae nomenclature.
Area of Science:
- Zoological Nomenclature
- Taxonomy
- Parasitology
Background:
- The availability of a scientific name is determined by historical fact and adherence to the International Code of Zoological Nomenclature (ICZN).
- The classification of Sarcocystinae presents challenges due to difficulties in designating functional type specimens for species under the current ICZN Code.
- A 'nomen dubium' refers to a "doubtful name" whose application is unknown or uncertain.
Purpose of the Study:
- To address the inability to designate functional type specimens for species under the current ICZN Code.
- To propose legislative changes to the ICZN Code to remedy defects in species nomenclature, particularly concerning nomina dubia.
- To publish an application concerning Sarcocystinae nomenclature for potential ruling by the Commission before revised ICZN Code publication.
Main Methods:
- Review of the International Code of Zoological Nomenclature (ICZN) provisions regarding name availability and type designations.
- Consideration of proposed amendments to the ICZN Code to allow for functional type designations.
- Publication of a specific application (Frenkel et al., 1979) in the Bulletin of Zoological Nomenclature for review and potential ruling.
Main Results:
- The current ICZN Code does not permit the designation of type specimens that serve a useful function for certain species, leading to taxonomic ambiguity.
- The International Commission on Zoological Nomenclature (ICZN) is considering general legislative changes to the Code to rectify this issue.
- The Commission typically does not suppress names solely because they are considered nomina dubia.
Conclusions:
- The ICZN is actively seeking to amend its provisions to enable the designation of functional types, thereby resolving issues with problematic species names.
- The specific case of Sarcocystinae nomenclature will be addressed through publication and potential ruling, irrespective of general code revisions.
- The proposed changes aim to improve the stability and clarity of zoological nomenclature, particularly for challenging taxa.
Related Concept Videos
03:34Ionic Compounds: Formulas and Nomenclature
An element composed of atoms that readily lose electrons (a metal) can react with an element composed of atoms that readily gain electrons (a nonmetal) to produce ions through complete electron transfer. The compound formed by this transfer is stabilized by the electrostatic attractions (ionic bonds) between the oppositely charged ions.
03:10Molecular Compounds: Formulas and Nomenclature
Molecular compounds or covalent compounds result when atoms share electrons to form covalent bonds. Since there is no electron transfer, molecular compounds do not contain ions; instead, they consist of discrete, neutral molecules.
01:23Nomenclature of Aromatic Compounds with a Single Substituent
Benzene is the simplest aromatic hydrocarbon or arene. The IUPAC names for simple monosubstituted benzene derivatives are derived by adding the substituent's name as a prefix to the parent benzene. For example, halobenzene, where the halogen could be fluoro (F), chloro (Cl), bromo (Br), and iodo (I).
01:12Nomenclature of Secondary and Tertiary Amines
The secondary and tertiary amines are derivatives of ammonia, where two and three of its hydrogens are replaced by alkyl groups, respectively. Secondary and tertiary amines can be symmetrical with identical alkyl groups attached to the nitrogen atom or unsymmetrical when more than one type of alkyl group is present. The standard nomenclature of secondary and tertiary amines is similar to the names given to the primary amines. They are generally named alkylamines. As depicted in Figure 1, for...
01:10Nomenclature of Aryl and Heterocyclic Amines
The simplest aromatic amine is phenylamine, which contains an –NH2 functionality directly attached to an aromatic ring. The name aniline is designated for this skeleton. As shown in Figure 1, the common names of the functionalized anilines involve prefixes ortho-, meta-, and para- to indicate the substitution position. Different functionalized aniline derivatives also have notable trivial names.
01:11Nomenclature of Aromatic Compounds with Multiple Substituents
When more than one substituent is present on the benzene ring, the IUPAC nomenclature depends on the number of substituents present.
For disubstituted benzene derivatives, with two groups attached to the benzene ring, three constitutional isomers are possible. For example, consider dimethyl benzene, often called xylene, where the second methyl group can be substituted at the second, third, or fourth carbon. The relative position of the substituents is represented by prefixes ortho, meta, or...
For disubstituted benzene derivatives, with two groups attached to the benzene ring, three constitutional isomers are possible. For example, consider dimethyl benzene, often called xylene, where the second methyl group can be substituted at the second, third, or fourth carbon. The relative position of the substituents is represented by prefixes ortho, meta, or...