fossilnomenclature

Fossil nomenclature is the system by which scientists name fossil organisms and related taxa, primarily governed in zoology by the International Code of Zoological Nomenclature (ICZN). The aim is to provide stable, universal names that are traceable to a defined type specimen and to published information so that the name refers to a specific entity in the fossil record.

Key principles include priority, availability, and typification. Priority means that the oldest valid name governs a taxon when multiple names exist. Availability requires that a name be properly published with a description or diagnosis, and that it be associated with a name-bearing type. Typification links a name to a type specimen or set of material, such as a holotype (the single name-bearing specimen), syntypes (originally multiple specimens), lectotype (a later-selected single type from syntypes), and neotype (a new type designation when the original is lost). Genera form the first part of binomial names for species; names must be unique and properly latinized. Homonymy is avoided, and when conflicts arise, the oldest name typically has priority. Paratypes are additional material cited with a original description.

Publication standards require that a taxon be described or diagnosed and that a type specimen be designated, in a work that is publicly available. Names published before 1758 are not governed in the same way and may be treated differently. A nomen nudum is a name published without a description or type and is unavailable. Since 2012, electronic publications are allowed if registered in ZooBank and meet Code requirements.

Fossil nomenclature also covers ichnotaxa (trace fossils) and microfossil names. When a fossil is reassigned to another genus or species, a new combination (comb. nov.) or new name may be required; synonyms arise from different names referring to the same taxon, with priority resolving the valid name.