Kellotusnimisestä

Kellotusnimisestä is a Finnish term that translates roughly to "naming by clocking" or "timed naming." It refers to a specific method of awarding a name to something, often a new species or a newly discovered entity, based on the precise time of its discovery or documentation. This practice is more common in scientific contexts, particularly in taxonomy, where the naming of new organisms is subject to strict rules.

The International Code of Zoological Nomenclature (ICZN) and the International Code of Nomenclature for algae, fungi, and plants (ICNafp) govern the naming of species. While the exact time of discovery is not the sole criterion for naming, the date of publication of a scientific description is crucial. This date establishes priority, meaning the first validly published name for a species is the one that must be used. In some instances, the time of day might be recorded and noted, especially if multiple discoveries are made very close to each other, or if the precise moment of observation is deemed significant for some reason.

The concept of "kellotusnimisestä" highlights the importance of meticulous record-keeping and established timelines in scientific discovery and classification. It underscores the chronological aspect of scientific progress and the formal procedures involved in introducing new scientific names into the established system of biological nomenclature. While not a formal taxonomic rule in itself, the underlying principle of timely and accurate documentation is fundamental to the scientific naming process.