pearsonae

Pearsonae is a taxonomic epithet used in scientific names to honor individuals bearing the surname Pearson. It is not a standalone taxon or a higher rank; rather, it appears as the specific epithet in binomial nomenclature across different genera. The form pearsonae reflects Latin grammar, representing the feminine genitive meaning “of Pearson.” This epithet is typically applied when the honoree is a woman, with masculine forms such as pearsoni or pearsonus used in other contexts.

The epithet pearsonae can occur in a wide range of organism groups, including animals, plants, fungi, and microorganisms, wherever valid species names are published under the appropriate nomenclatural code (for example, the ICZN for animals and the ICN for plants and fungi). The usage of pearsonae carries no inherent information about the organism’s morphology, ecology, or phylogeny; it serves primarily as an eponym recognizing a person connected to the species’ discovery or description.

Etymology and publication: When a new species is described, the author may designate an epithet such as pearsonae and typically includes an etymology note explaining the honor. The name must meet the publication and naming requirements of the relevant code, including the designation of a type specimen and a clear species description.

See also: Eponym in taxonomy, Binomial nomenclature, Latin grammar in taxonomy

References: Taxonomic naming codes (ICZN, ICN) and guides on eponymous epithets provide foundational rules for the use of names like pearsonae.