DEST is relaunched and organizing its Zoological Nomenclature course again!
Taxonomists need a common language worldwide. This is provided by the international codes of nomenclature. Although several codes exist, according to the organisms at stake, they all follow a similar mode of allocation of names to taxa (through “types”) and of establishment of the valid name for a taxon (priority, first-reviser, usage). As biological nomenclature is rarely taught in academic formations, many taxonomists have difficulties mastering it. This training will provide an overview of the history and epistemology of biological nomenclature, and a discussion of the relationships between phylogeny, taxonomy and nomenclature. The zoological code will be presented in detail, the other codes (including the botanical one) more briefly. The recent problems and projects of nomenclature, including alternative systems, will be discussed.
Lecture topics
• What is taxonomy? What is nomenclature? Name, taxon, nomenclatural rank, taxonomic category. Species and supraspecific taxa. The relationships between phylogeny, taxonomy and nomenclature.
• History and epistemology of the international codes of nomenclature.
• The international code of zoological nomenclature.
• Problems and projects of nomenclature.
Seminar topics
• Nomenclature of higher taxa in zoology.
• What is a diagnosis in zoological taxonomy and nomenclature?
• Zoobank and electronic publications.
• Describing new species without preserved specimens?
• Other burning questions of zoological nomenclature.
Practical experiences (2.5 days) will include: exercises in zoological nomenclature and transforming phylogenetic data into a taxonomy and a nomenclature.
Course language
English
Target audience
MSc students, PhD students, postdocs, early career researchers, and professional taxonomists interested in a refreshing course or in-depth training in nomenclature.
Criteria for selection will be motivation and usefulness of the training for your career.
Registration and fees
Click here for registration and more information about the course.
ForBio covers a course registration fee waiver for ForBio members. Travel to Paris, local transport and accommodation are not covered.
Contact Hugo de Boer (hugo.deboer@nhm.uio.no) if you have questions about eligibility, fees and expenses.