The Anatomy of a Proposed Name Change Involving Chthamalussouthwardorum (Cirripedia, Balanomorpha, Chthamalidae), A Critique

Abstract

This critique concerns the correct name for a species, itself a relatively trivial matter of little immediate consequence to science other than evidently complicating our understanding of diversity and this is contrary to the goal of the Binomial or Linnaean System of Nomenclature [1]. This system is presently governed by the “International Code of Zoological Nomenclature” authored by the ”International Commission on Zoological Nomenclature” and first published in 1961. There are two relatively recent editions of the Code [2,3] and they often differ in subtle and sometimes confusing ways whereby some commissioners as well as practicing taxonomists may read parts of an old rule into its current counterpart, as seems apparent in the present case.