homonymy (ICZN)

[christian thompson]

The homonymy problem alluded to by Wolfgang is real as ICZN only addresses
homonymy within family-group, genus-group or species-group names.  So, as
pointed out by Wolfgang, homonymy between valid family-group and genus-group
names can and DOES exist under the current Code (and as far as I am aware,
only with the subtribe ending of -ina and superfamily ending of -oidea, but
there may be others).

This was discussed briefly, but most of the editorial group felt that the
homonymy between a family-group name and a genus-group name was not a
serious problem as the CONTEXT would alway allow one to realize which is
which. Unfortunately, most of the editorial group felt that the computer
world and its need for unique keys was not a serious issue.

In fact one member (Tubb) suggested that homonymy should be allowed within
categories of names as again one could tell from context whether a frog or
an insect was being referred to.

The solution to the computer problem of needing unique keys is solved by
appending a qualifier, such as one must due when mixing botanical and
zoological names together. And in writing one should always make it clear by
giving a rank indicator when one is referring to family-group name which may
be homonymous, such as subtribe Xylotina versus genus Xylotina.

Not pretty, but ...



F. Christian Thompson
Systematic Entomology Lab., ARS, USDA
Smithsonian Institution
Washington, D. C. 20560-0169
(202) 382-1800 voice
(202) 786-9422 FAX
cthompso at sel.barc.usda.gov [NB: no terminal "n"]
visit our Diptera site at www.diptera.org


>>> Wolfgang Lorenz <Faunaplan at AOL.COM> 03/21 3:22 AM >>>
Dear All,
there is a clear 'Statement of the Principle of Homonymy' in Art. 52.1. of
ICZN(4):
"When two or more taxa are distinguished from each other they must not be
denoted by the same name".

Genus-group names ending in -ina/ -oidea may be homonyms of subtribe/
superfamily names, e.g.,
Cicindelina (a genus-group name in tiger beetles) is a homonym of subtribe
Cicindelina (based on genus Cicindela).

Do such names enter into homonymy?
Is there a standard ICZN ruling for such cases?

Many thanks in advance!
Wolfgang Lorenz, Tutzing, Germany