Nomenclature

Nomenclature

Scientific naming of parasites and other organisms is a standardized system designed to provide a universal, consistent way of identifying species across the world. This system follows internationally accepted rules.

I. Nomenclature Rules

• Governing Authority:
  • The scientific naming of animals, including parasites, is regulated by the International Code for Zoological Nomenclature (ICZN).
  • First established: 1904.
• Purpose of ICZN:
  • Ensure stability, universality, and clarity in the naming of animal species.
  • Prevent confusion arising from multiple or incorrect names.

II. Scientific Naming System

The structure and presentation of scientific names follow a set format:

1. Genus and Species Naming

• Genus Name:
  • Always a single word (uninomial).
  • First letter is capitalized.
• Species Name:
  • Combined with the genus to form a binomial name (Genus + species).
  • Species name is lowercase.
• Subspecies (if present):
  • Trinomial nomenclature (Genus + species + subspecies).

2. Language of Names

• Names are typically derived from Latin or Greek words.
• Sometimes names honor a person or reflect a characteristic feature of the organism.

3. Formatting

• When typed:
  • Genus and species names are italicized.
• When handwritten:
  • Genus and species names are underlined separately.

4. Author’s Name and Year

• After the scientific name, the name of the person who first described the species is written.
• The year of description may also be included.
• Formatting:
  • Not italicized.
  • If the species has been moved to another genus, the author’s name and year are placed in parentheses.
• Examples:
  • Without change in genus:
    • Taenia Linnaeus, 1758
  • With change in genus:
    • Trypanosoma cruzi (Chagas, 1909)

Summary