Subject: | |
From: | |
Reply To: | |
Date: | Mon, 17 Feb 2003 19:07:43 -0500 |
Content-Type: | text/plain |
Parts/Attachments: |
|
|
Another difference between a form, variety, etc. and a subspecies is that subspecies have official standing with the ICZN as a scientific name. If a later study decides that a recognized subspecies is actually different enough to merit species recognition, the subspecies name becomes the species name. Conversely, if a species is demoted, its name can become a subspecies name. However, any variety, form, etc. proposed after the standardization of scientific naming (mid-1930's, if I remember correctly) has no official status. Although it looks more impressive, Homo sapiens forma cinncinnatiensis has no more official status than Homo sapiens variety A or Homo sapiens "Art Weil". Varieties, etc. published before the standardization count as subspecies.
Dr. David Campbell
Old Seashells
University of Alabama
Biodiversity & Systematics
Dept. Biological Sciences
Box 870345
Tuscaloosa, AL 35487-0345 USA
[log in to unmask]
That is Uncle Joe, taken in the masonic regalia of a Grand Exalted Periwinkle of the Mystic Order of Whelks-P.G. Wodehouse, Romance at Droitgate Spa
|
|
|