abnormis

Abnormis is a Latin-derived epithet used in scientific nomenclature to denote an organism that displays unusual or atypical characteristics relative to related taxa. It is a descriptive element, not a taxonomic rank, and appears as part of the species name in zoological and botanical naming conventions.

Etymology: The word comes from Latin abnormis, meaning abnormal, reflecting the characteristic that prompted its selection.

Usage in taxonomy: Abnormis is used as a species epithet and is written after the genus name in a binomial or trinomial name. In formal texts it is typically set in lowercase and, like other scientific epithets, is often italicized. The epithet does not in itself convey phylogenetic position; it merely signals a notable trait at the time of naming.

Scope: The epithet abnormis has been employed across various kingdoms to flag unusual features, including morphology, coloration, or behavior, relative to closely related species. The trait prompting the name can be subjective and may change with new information.

See also: Latin in biological nomenclature; species epithet; binomial nomenclature.