Dear Dr. Goodbody and other list members,
Although I agree with Dr. Mather and use Tunicata instead of Urochordata,
the ICZN rules of precedence (chapter 6, Article 23.1) apply only to the
level of family and lower categories (genus and species), as previously
pointed out by another list member some time ago.
Nevertheless, we all must do our best in order to keep the uniformity of the
zoological nomenclature and try to use the same names regardless its
category. This is specially important for our students, as different names
for the same thing are always a source of confusion and misunderstanding.
Regards,
Tito
_____________________________________
Tito M. C. Lotufo
Universidade Federal do Ceará
Departamento de Engenharia de Pesca
Tel: (85) 288-9726 FAX: (85) 287-6940
E-mail: [log in to unmask]
on 17.12.04 18:00, Prof. Ivan Goodbody at [log in to unmask]
wrote:
>
> ----- Original Message -----
> From: Prof. Ivan Goodbody
> To: [log in to unmask]
> Sent: Friday, December 17, 2004 3:43 PM
> Subject: Urochordate Conference
>
>
> Dear List members,
>
> On 5th June 2003 Patricia Mather posted a message to The List reminding us all
> that the Class of animals in which we are interested is Tunicata and not
> Urochordata. Patricia's message was clear and authoritative. The message
> identifies the history and development of the taxonomic nomenclature and
> why,in accordance with the Rules, Tunicata Lamarck 1816 must take precedence
> over Urochordata Balfour 1881. A few of us may have felt scolded or even
> humbled by Patricia's message and at least one University found it necessary
> to rewrite their lab manuals for students. Some textbooks still require
> revision.
> In the light of this it comes as a surprise to learn that yet another
> Urochordate conference is planned to take place in Santa Barbara next July.
> Happily the message about the Conference was addressed to Tunicatists and not
> to Urochordatists and maybe the organisers could be persuaded to rename the
> Conference as a Tunicate Conference. The continued use of the name Urochordata
> instead of Tunicata sends the wrong message to students and younger colleagues
> who should be encouraged to respect The International Rules of Zoological
> Nomenclature.
> Irrespective of the title of the Conference I cannot be in Santa Barbara in
> July but for those who attend to discuss Tunicate biology I wish you fruitful
> exchanges.
>
> IVAN GOODBODY
> Professor Emeritus of Zoology
> University of the West Indies
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