I am looking for a paper (or several) in which the difference between nomenclature and taxonomy has been described in a clear wording.
To me the difference of these concepts is so obvious that I never cared about something written on this.
In my current case the above is connected to resolving a homonymy.
Can someone help me with that?
Thanks
Stefan
Not researched any papers but perhaps more importantly the Code states:
"nomenclature, n. A system of names, and provisions for their formation and use. binominal nomenclature The system of nomenclature in which a species, but no taxon of any other rank, is denoted by a combination of two names (a binomen, q.v.).zoological nomenclature The system of scientific names for animal taxa and the provisions for the formation, treatment, and use of those names."
"taxonomy, n. (taxonomic, a.)The theory and practice of classifying organisms. See taxonomic information, taxonomic taxon."
"taxonomic taxon A taxon (e.g. family, genus, species) including whatever nominal taxa and individuals a zoologist at any time considers it to contain in his or her endeavour to define the boundaries of a zoological taxon (q.v.). A taxonomic taxon is denoted by the valid name determined from the available names of its included nominal taxa."
Hi
there is also a International Code of botanical nomenclature.
I agree with this definition of taxonomy, which is too often considered a synonym of systematic.
Nomenclature needs a systematic (and hence taxonomy), while the reverse is not true.
cheers
Basically, taxonomy is recognising hierarchical groups of organisms or fossils based on diagnoses / definitions, and then trying to establish the relationships between those groups. The aim is usually to determine supposed phylogenetic relationships, but of course they can never be proved, so the relationships are usually based on morphological or anatomical similarities, or also DNA with living taxa . It is hoped that the morphological / anatomical / DNA relationships will be reflecting phylogenetic relationships, but this can rarely if ever be provided, no matter what fancy analytical approach is used.
Nomenclature is "simply" applying names to the resulting taxa.
As a very wise plant taxonomist explained to me some years ago: always remember that a taxon has a circumscription whereas a name has a type.
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