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Ten simple rules for describing a new (parasite) species

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Jan Slapeta at The University of Sydney
Jan Slapeta
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Abstract

Highlights • Practical rules to write a new species description and publish it successfully. • The manuscript aims to improve the standard for new species descriptions. • An online-only journal can publish your description.
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... In Systema Naturae, Carolus Linnaeus organized the natural world into a hierarchical system (Linnaeus, 1758). Although this system use remains until today, some changes have been made over time with depth examination and recommendations to make species naming practices integrated in the 21th century (Sangster & Pope, 2000;Notton et al., 2011;Šlapeta, 2013;Poulin, 2022a, b). Notwithstanding the consensus on basic grammatical rules regulating the derivation of species names and their etymologies (Šlapeta, 2013;Vendetti & Garland, 2019;ICZN, 2023), taxonomists have found inspirations beyond pragmatic descriptors (Lalchhandama, 2014;Ohl, 2018), generating debates about naming practices of plants and more recently forwarded in zoology (e.g., Hammer & Thiele, 2021;Ceríaco et al., 2023). ...
... Although this system use remains until today, some changes have been made over time with depth examination and recommendations to make species naming practices integrated in the 21th century (Sangster & Pope, 2000;Notton et al., 2011;Šlapeta, 2013;Poulin, 2022a, b). Notwithstanding the consensus on basic grammatical rules regulating the derivation of species names and their etymologies (Šlapeta, 2013;Vendetti & Garland, 2019;ICZN, 2023), taxonomists have found inspirations beyond pragmatic descriptors (Lalchhandama, 2014;Ohl, 2018), generating debates about naming practices of plants and more recently forwarded in zoology (e.g., Hammer & Thiele, 2021;Ceríaco et al., 2023). ...
From pioneers to modern-day taxonomists: the good, the bad, and the idiosyncrasies in choosing species epithets of rotifers and microcrustaceans
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  • Jul 2023
  • HYDROBIOLOGIA
In the Anthropocene, scientists have an imperative to prioritize the sharing of scientific knowledge as a fundamental responsibility in fostering collective action. Scientific names are essential in communicating biodiversity, and to maximize their impact, they need to be consistently labeled across all organisms and made accessible to diverse audiences. In our study, we examined the etymological and temporal patterns in naming practices of rotifers and microcrustaceans (cladocerans and copepods). By analyzing a dataset comprising 992 species present in Brazil, but described worldwide since the eighteenth century, we identified various factors influencing specific epithets, including morphology, ecology, behavior, geography, and cultural references, as well as names honoring notable individuals. Our findings revealed that while morphology was the primary basis for etymology (62.1%) in naming rotifers, cladocerans, and copepods, its relative importance has decreased over time. We observed a significant increase in etymologies related to geography and the recognition of influential scientists in the field. Furthermore, our study unveiled a gender bias, with male scientists being more frequently honored with species names (86.4%). In addition to acknowledging the contributions made by taxonomists studying these groups, our study offers valuable insights intended to stimulate reflections on the significance of naming practices in biodiversity research and communication, in line with current social-ecological needs.
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... This type serves as a universally accepted reference point for applying a scientific name to a taxon. The tangible nature of the name-bearing type, typically housed in a recognized museum, is pivotal in ensuring the stability and clarity of nomenclature [2]. ...
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... A non-mandatory but highly recommended practice is to choose short (number of letters) names (Poulin et al. 2022;Šlapeta 2013;ICZN 1999). Although an unlimited number of characters in a name allows authors to showcase their creativity, very short and specific names can significantly contribute to remarkable name choices, as seen in the example of the Asian bat species Ia io Thomas, 1902. ...
Uncovering Rotifera, Cladocera and Copepoda name length patterns for enhanced scientific communication
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  • Dec 2023
  • ZOOTAXA
The motivations for describing species are multifaceted and extend beyond the scientific disciplines, promoting public engagement and enhancing biodiversity communication. We delve into the practices of naming species of Rotifera, Diplostraca (= Cladocera) and Copepoda, underpinning the effects of time, taxon group and the lengths of genus names on the length of specific names. Our investigation revolves around a comprehensive dataset comprising 6319 names described between 1758 and 2021 of Rotifers, Cladocera and Copepoda. The overall annual average hovers around a mean length of slightly over 10 and 8 letters, respectively, for genus names and specific names, although it varied noticeably across taxa. Notably, our findings reveal no substantial temporal variation in the length of specific names over the years of description. We found a positive although not significant relationship between the length of specific and genus names, suggesting that longer genus names may influence the choice of longer specific names. We support the recommendation by the International Commission on Zoological Nomenclature and existing related publications on this topic, to prioritize short names, emphasizing the importance of concise and ultimately the use of mnemonic names assigned to zooplankton species.
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Advances in laboratory techniques have revolutionized parasitology diagnostics over the past several decades. Widespread implementation of rapid antigen detection tests has greatly expanded access to tests for global parasitic threats such as malaria, while next-generation amplification and sequencing methods allow for sensitive and specific detection of human and animal parasites in complex specimen matrices. Recently, the introduction of multiplex panels for human gastrointestinal infections has enhanced the identification of common intestinal protozoa in feces along with bacterial and viral pathogens. Despite the benefits provided by novel diagnostics, increased reliance on nonmicroscopy-based methods has contributed to the progressive, widespread loss of morphology expertise for parasite identification. Loss of microscopy and morphology skills has the potential to negatively impact patient care, public health, and epidemiology. Molecular- and antigen-based diagnostics are not available for all parasites and may not be suitable for all specimen types and clinical settings. Furthermore, inadequate morphology experience may lead to missed and inaccurate diagnoses and erroneous descriptions of new human parasitic diseases. This commentary highlights the need to maintain expert microscopy and morphological parasitology diagnostic skills within the medical and scientific community. We proposed that light microscopy remains an important part of training and practice in the diagnosis of parasitic diseases and that efforts should be made to train the next generation of morphological parasitologists before the requisite knowledge, skills, and capacity for this complex and important mode of diagnosis are lost. In summary, the widespread, progressive loss of morphology expertise for parasite identification negatively impacts patient care, public health, and epidemiology.
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... The last, but by far not the least important step in the process of describing a new species is to give it a name [10]. New animal species must be designated with a unique Latin binomial in adherence with the rules of the International Code of Zoological Nomenclature, or ICZN (https://www.iczn.org). ...
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As our inventory of Earth's biodiversity progresses, the number of species given a Latin binomial name is also growing. While the coining of species names is bound by rules, the sources of inspiration used by taxonomists are an eclectic mix. We investigated naming trends for nearly 2900 new species of parasitic helminths described in the past two decades. Our analysis indicates that the likelihood of new species being given names that convey some information about them (name derived from morphology, host or locality of origin) or not (named after an eminent scientist, or for something else) depends on the higher taxonomic group to which the parasite or its host belongs. We also found a consistent gender bias among species named after eminent scientists, with male scientists being immortalized disproportionately more frequently than female scientists. Finally, we found that the tendency for taxonomists to name new species after a family member or close friend has increased over the past 20 years. We end by offering suggestions for future species naming, aimed at honouring the scientific community's diversity and avoiding etymological nepotism and cronyism, while still allowing for creativity in crafting new Latin species names.
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How to describe a new species in zoology and avoid mistakes
Article
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Taxonomy is the science of discovering, naming, describing, diagnosing, identifying, and classifying different kinds of taxa, from species to families. It lays the foundation for all of the biological sciences. The rapid increase in both taxonomic descriptions and malpractice in recent decades indicates a need for consistency in the procedure and quality of taxonomic research publications dealing with recognition of new taxa, name changes, and nomenclatural acts. Indeed, there are numerous examples in the recent literature of taxonomic works that fall short of the basic procedures and minimum standards required for naming new species according to the mandatory provisions and recommendations of the International Code of Zoological Nomenclature, accepted standards of taxonomic best practice, and journal editorial policy. Here, we provide practical guidelines of the procedure and key elements required to name, describe, and publish a new animal species or revise the taxonomic status of a species. We then discuss some of the common pitfalls that should be avoided. Mistakes commonly made include failure to read the Code, to review the primary taxonomic literature, to examine type material, to construct the taxon name correctly, to explicitly establish the new taxon, to provide adequate typification, to clearly differentiate the new taxon, to register the publication of the new taxon name in ZooBank, or to publish the name of the new taxon in a manner that is compliant with the Code. We provide some examples of these mistakes, mainly from butterflies (Insecta: Lepidoptera: Papilionoidea) and, to some extent, reptiles because these taxon groups seem to have an unusually high level of poor taxonomic practice.
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Short and sweet: an analysis of the length of parasite species names
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  • Syst Parasitol
In its advice to taxonomists, the International Commission on Zoological Nomenclature (ICZN) recommends that scientific species names should be compact, memorable, and easy to pronounce. Here, using a dataset of over 3000 species of parasitic helminths described in the past two decades, we investigate trends in the length of Latin specific names (=epithets) chosen by taxonomists. Our results reveal no significant temporal change in the length of species epithets as a function of year of description, with annual averages fluctuating around the overall average length of just over 9 letters. We also found that lengths of species epithets did not differ among the various host taxa from which the parasites were recovered, however acanthocephalan species have been given longer species epithets than other helminth taxa. Finally, although species epithets were shorter than genus names for three-quarters of the species in our dataset, we detected no relationship between the length of species epithets and that of genus names across all species included, i.e., there was no evidence that shorter species epithets are chosen to compensate for long genus names. We conclude by encouraging parasite taxonomists to follow the recommendations of the ICZN and choose species epithets that are, as much as possible, compact and easy to remember, pronounce and spell.
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pressure sensor, CrSi resistor networks, temperature compensation. Abstract. In this paper, focused on especial requirement monolithic integrated resistance pressure sensor, pressure structure, signal processing circuits and process compatible technology of sensor and IC were studied. The feebleness pressure signal monitoring circuits was designed, high precision CrSi resistor networks was used for temperature compensation of resistance pressure sensor, and a monolithic integrated pressure sensor only 2.3×2.3mm2 was obtained. The measuring results are as follows, measurement range is 5-115kPa, the maximum Vout is more than 4.5V, sensitivity is 1.2%.
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Amendment of Articles 8, 9, 10, 21 and 78 of the International Code of Zoological Nomenclature to expand and refine methods of publication
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The International Commission on Zoological Nomenclature has voted in favour of a revised version of the amendment to the International Code of Zoological Nomenclature that was proposed in 2008. The purpose of the amendment is to expand and refine the methods of publication allowed by the Code, particularly in relation to electronic publication. The amendment establishes an Official Register of Zoological Nomenclature (with ZooBank as its online version), allows electronic publication after 2011 under certain conditions, and disallows publication on optical discs after 2012. The requirements for electronic publications are that the work be registered in ZooBank before it is published, that the work itself state the date of publication and contain evidence that registration has occurred, and that the ZooBank registration state both the name of an electronic archive intended to preserve the work and the ISSN or ISBN associated with the work. Registration of new scientific names and nomenclatural acts is not required. The Commission has confirmed that ZooBank is ready to handle the requirements of the amendment.
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A new era in zoological nomenclature and taxonomy: ICZN accepts e-publication and launches ZooBank
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  • ZOOTAXA
In this issue of Zootaxa, we publish the amendment of the International Code of Zoological Nomenclature, 4th edition (ICZN 1999) by the International Commission on Zoological Nomenclature (ICZN 2012: 1–7) to expand and refine methods of publication. This landmark publication not only defines the conditions for the validity of e-publications in zoological nomenclature and taxonomy, but also announces the formal transition of ZooBank (http://zoobank.org/) from being the prototype ICZN registry (started on 1 Jan. 2008; see Pyle et al. 2008) to the official ICZN registry. It should be noted that the original proposals for the amendment were also first published in Zootaxa (ICZN 2008), when we made a special effort to publish the paper for open access under the “Creative Commons Attribution License”[1] (Zhang 2008). We are doing the same here for this amendment (ICZN 2012) to ensure it reaches the widest possible readership.[1]See details http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/3.0/
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Can you bank on GenBank?
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  • TRENDS ECOL EVOL
Sequencing mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA) is now a routine laboratory procedure. Most journals insist that published sequences be submitted to data bases such as GenBank, where they are publicly available. But quality control of the raw data often depends solely on the original scientists. So just how reliable are the sequences in the data bases? According to a new paper by Forster in the Annals of Human Genetics, more than half of all published human mtDNA studies contain mistakes, a level so high that geneticists could be drawing incorrect conclusions in population and evolutionary studies. Much greater controls are needed, both from journals and from individual scientists. Fortunately, some new methods for detecting errors using phylogenetic networks have recently been proposed. How effective these are remains to be tested.
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Quid significat nomen? (What’s in a name?)
Article
  • Apr 2000
  • Int J Parasitol
For the purposes of classification and effective communication among scientists, organisms must have unequivocal names. The binomial naming system of species was devised and popularized by Linnaeus in the 18th Century. His "Botanical Latin" is an artificial language first adopted for naming plants and is now internationally accepted as a naming system for both plants and animals. Genus and species names are based on Latin and Greek words which describe characteristics of the organism, as well as words from more modern sources, such as the name of the discoverer or place of discovery. Naming follows certain rules and all of the word endings are Latinized. The history of naming parasites is interesting and the molecular age may influence naming in the future.
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International Code of Nomenclature for algae, fungi, and plants (Melbourne Code)
  • Jan 2012
  • 240
ICN, 2012. International Code of Nomenclature for algae, fungi, and plants (Melbourne Code). Regnum Vegetabile 154, xxx. A.R.G. Gantner Verlag KG, Koenigstein, p. 240.
International Code of Nomenclature for algae, fungi, and plants (Melbourne Code). Regnum Vegetabile 154, xxx
  • ICN
  • ICN