DEST - Taxonomy Training

o A review of the history of the scientific naming of animals since Carolus Linnaeus (s. XVIII) to our days is made. A special emphasis is made on the origins of the need of a Code to rule how animals should be named and which are the benefits of having a Code.

o The limits of the application of the Code and its six basic Principles, ruling all further articles, are explained. Publication criteria and issues on availability of names, publication date and authorship are thoroughly reviewed.
o A review of validity of names, reversal of precedence, creation and properties of names in the three groups (family, genus and species), spellings, Principle of Coordination, homonymy, and typification in the family and genus groups will be given.
o The study of the typification in the species group, a survey of the Commission, its constituent members, duties and powers, and an approach to the future of the Code and the challenge posed by the need to get a quick knowledge of our biodiversity will be dealt with.

o All that any zoologist should know about Latin and Greek not to make mistakes, in a nutshell.

o Some explanations will show what to do and what not in nomenclature. The importance of a good documentation before naming animals is reinforced.

o The trainees may bring their own nomenclatural problems and solve them under the guidance of the professor, applying what they have learned. The solutions will be discussed jointly.