taxonomysometimes

Taxonomysometimes is a coined term used in information science and biology to describe the conditional and provisional nature of taxonomic classification. It signals that taxonomy is often a tool shaped by purpose, data availability, and accepted criteria rather than an absolute, timeless truth. The term is not a formal doctrine but a shorthand for acknowledging variability in how groups are defined and organized.

In biology, taxonomic boundaries such as species concepts can shift as new evidence becomes available. Different criteria—morphology, genetics, ecological niche, or reproductive isolation—may lead to different classifications for the same organisms. As a result, a single taxonomic scheme may be valid under one set of assumptions but not under another. In information science and knowledge management, taxonomysometimes appears when organizations maintain multiple taxonomies or crosswalks between schemes, such as a conventional taxonomy, an ontology, and a folksonomy. The approach emphasizes transparency about which criteria were used and why.

Practical implications include explicit documentation of criteria, versioning of taxonomic schemes, and provenance for changes. This helps users understand the context of classifications and supports interoperability when integrating data from diverse sources. Critics warn that the term can verge on relativism if used without clear justification, so best practices advocate clear justification, cross-scheme mappings, and ongoing validation with domain experts. See also taxonomy, classification, ontology, systematics, information architecture.