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- เผยแพร่เมื่อ 11 ก.พ. 2025
- In today’s video, we’re diving into an important yet often overlooked aspect of biological reporting-common name and scientific name synonyms.
Species names-both common and scientific-change more often than you might think, and knowing how to properly document these synonyms ensures clarity and professionalism in your reports. Let’s break it down!
Scientific Name Synonyms
Plant and wildlife taxonomy is not set in stone-it evolves over time as new research and genetic testing refine our understanding of species relationships. When a species' scientific name changes, we use a synonym to show its previous name.
A synonym is written after the newly adopted scientific name, enclosed in parentheses, and preceded by an equals symbol (=). However, note that while scientific names are italicized, the equals symbol and parenthesis are not. For example, this is deerweed. It's scientific name is Acmispon glaber; however, it was previously known as Lotus scoparius. Lotus scoparius is the synonym and it follows the new reclassified name in a parenthesis with an equals sign in front of it. Yellow warbler was once called Dendroica petechia, but now it is recognized as Setophaga petechia. Dendroica petechia is the synonym and it is in parenthesis with an equals sign.
Common Name Synonyms
Unlike scientific names, which follow strict taxonomic rules, common names are much more flexible-they can vary by region, state, country, and even resource agency. In addition, the American Ornithological Society has taken up a project to change the common names of all bird species currently named after people, or those deemed offensive or exclusionary. So, for example Anna’s hummingbird’s name will most likely change in the future. That’s why it’s sometimes necessary to list synonyms.
A common name synonym is written after the most widely accepted common name, enclosed in parentheses, and preceded by an equals symbol (=). The common name synonym, parenthesis and equals symbol are not italicized.
common name (=common name synonym) (scientific name)
• scaly-breasted munia (=nutmeg mannikin) (Lonchura punctulata)
For example, this is scaly-breasted munia; however, it is sometimes called nutmeg mannikin. Nutmeg mannikin is the synonym and it follows the more recognized named scaly-breasted munia in a parenthesis and an equals symbol. The synonym, parenthesis, and equals symbol are not italicized.
Do You Have to Use Synonyms?
• Not necessarily. Some biologists include them, while others don’t. It’s a judgment call.
• If a name recently changed, it’s a good idea to include the synonym for clarity.
• But if the name has been changed for many years, the synonym may not be necessary.
• If you choose to show a synonym, only use the synonym once-after the first mention, there’s no need to repeat it.
The equals symbol (=) makes it easy to identify synonyms in a report, helping readers understand name changes at a glance.
Using synonyms correctly in biological reports ensures your data is clear and interpretable. Whether you’re dealing with scientific or common name synonyms, consistency and clarity are key. Following proper formatting ensures your reports meet professional standards.
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