Nomen dubium

Nomen dubium

In zoological nomenclature, a nomen dubium (Latin for "doubtful name", plural nomina dubia) is a scientific name that is of unknown or doubtful application. Note that in the ICBN and ICNB the phrase "nomen dubium" has no status (although it, and its synonym nomen ambiguum are in use for names whose application has become confusing; these names may be rejected or conserved with a new type).

In case of a nomen dubium it may be impossible to determine whether a specimen belongs to that group or not. This may happen if the original type series (i. e. holotype and paratypes) is lost or destroyed. The ICZN allow for a new type specimen, or neotype, to be chosen in this case.

A name may also be considered a nomen dubium if its name-bearing type is fragmentary or lacking important diagnostic features (this is often the case for species known only as fossils). To preserve stability of names, the International Code of Zoological Nomenclature allows a new type specimen, or neotype, to be chosen for a nomen dubium in this case.

75.5. Replacement of unidentifiable name-bearing type by a neotype. When an author considers that the taxonomic identity of a nominal species-group taxon cannot be determined from its existing name-bearing type (i.e. its name is a nomen dubium), and stability or universality are threatened thereby, the author may request the Commission to set aside under its plenary power [Art. 81] the existing name-bearing type and designate a neotype.[1]

For example, the crocodile-like archosaurian reptile Parasuchus hislopi Lydekker, 1885 was described based on a premaxillary rostrum (part of the snout), but this is no longer sufficient to distinguish Parasuchus from its close relatives. This made the name Parasuchus hislopi a nomen dubium. Texan paleontologist Sankar Chatterjee proposed that a new type specimen, a complete skeleton, be designated.[2] The International Commission on Zoological Nomenclature considered the case and agreed in 2003 to replace the original type specimen with the proposed neotype.[3]

See also

  • species inquirenda, a species of doubtful identity requiring further investigation
  • nomen nudum, a name proposed with no description (or illustration)
  • nomen oblitum, a forgotten name

References


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  • Nomen dubium — Dans la nomenclature zoologique, un nomen dubium (« nom douteux » en latin, nomina dubia au pluriel) est un nom scientifique qui est d’utilisation inconnue ou douteuse. À noter que pour l’ICBN et l’ICNB, l’expression « nomen… …   Wikipédia en Français

  • Nomen dubium — Según el Código Internacional de Nomenclatura Zoológica un nomen dubium (del latín nombre dudoso , plural nomina dubia) es un nombre científico cuya aplicación implica desconocimiento o duda. Cabe destacar que en el Código Internacional de… …   Wikipedia Español

  • nomen dubium — Dans la nomenclature zoologique, un nomen dubium (« nom douteux » en latin, nomina dubia au pluriel) est un nom scientifique qui est d’utilisation inconnue ou douteuse. À noter que pour l’ICBN et l’ICNB, l’expression « nomen… …   Wikipédia en Français

  • Nomen dubium — Ein Nomen dubium (lat. für: „zweifelhafter Name“, Plural: Nomina dubia) bezeichnet in der zoologischen Nomenklatur einen wissenschaftlichen Namen, der keinem Taxon sicher zugeordnet werden kann. Ursache kann verlorenes Originalmaterial… …   Deutsch Wikipedia

  • nomen dubium —   (nom. dub.)   Latin, pertaining to a name of doubtful taxonomic validity, e.g. the name Encephalartos tridentatus (WILLDENOW) LEHMANN (Pugillus 6, 1834) is a nomen dubium which may refer to several species of Encephalartos or Macrozamia …   Expanded glossary of Cycad terms

  • nomen dubium — noun (plural nomina dubia) Etymology: New Latin, doubtful name Date: 1937 a taxonomic name that cannot be assigned with certainty to any taxonomic group because the description is insufficient for identification and the original specimens no… …   New Collegiate Dictionary

  • nomen dubium — a doubtful or dubious name not certainly applicable to any known taxon; a name which cannot be recognized because of inadequate description, figure, etc. May possess availability conducive to uncertainty and instability. Abbreviated as nom. dub …   Dictionary of ichthyology

  • nomen dubium — The name of a nominal species that lacks available evidence so as to permit recognition of the zoological species to which it was applied …   Dictionary of invertebrate zoology

  • nomen dubium — noun In zoological nomenclature, a name which describes a fossil with no unique diagnostic features, and which therefore can not accurately be assigned a classification …   Wiktionary

  • Nomen — may refer to: Nomen, the middle part of Ancient Roman names (see Roman naming conventions) Nomen, the personal name of Ancient Egyptian pharaohs Jaume Nomen (born 1960), Catalan astronomer See also Nomen nescio, abbreviated N.N. , used to signify …   Wikipedia

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