Cooperrii

Cooperrii is a Latinized specific epithet used in the scientific names of various organisms to honor individuals with the surname Cooper. It is not a standalone taxon; rather, it appears as the second part of binomial (or trinomial) names across different genera and groups.

Etymology and form

The epithet cooperrii derives from a patronym, signaling commemorative intent rather than a descriptive trait. The exact spelling and form of patronyms in taxonomy follow the conventions of the relevant nomenclature codes, and forms such as cooperrii, cooperi, or similar variants may be encountered depending on the author and group involved. In all cases, the epithet is treated as a fixed Latin ending attached to the genus name and is not altered for gender of the genus.

Taxonomic usage

Cooperrii appears in multiple taxa, including plants, animals, fungi, and occasionally microorganisms, wherever a taxonomist chose to honor a person named Cooper in the species name. The epithet itself provides no information about appearance, behavior, or ecology; it is a commemorative marker chosen at the time of description.

Nomenclatural considerations

The formation and spelling of patronyms are governed by international codes of nomenclature for plants, algae, fungi, and animals. The use of cooperrii must follow those rules, including proper citation of the authority and date of publication. Because it is a patronym, the epithet is typically invariable in form, regardless of the gender or number of the genus.

See also: Eponym (taxonomy), List of organisms named after people, Taxonomic nomenclature.