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Type specimens and basic principles of avian taxonomy

January 1, 1993

"Ornithology" may be defined as the scientific study of birds. No aspect of avian biology, including management and conservation, can be carried out without reference by name to birds at some taxonomic level. Thus, the names of species of birds, and of groups of species, can fairly be considered to be of primary importance in ornithology. To be useful, these names themselves must be defined and related to biological entities. The definition of a name is accomplished by the designation of a "type." The International Code of Zoological Nomenclature, in paragraph (C) of Article 72 (third edition, 1985), establishes criteria for eligibility of a name-bearing type. The type of a species or sub-species name is the biological specimen defined by the name, and later use of the name implies specific or subspecific identity with the type. It is imperative, therefore, that a type be available for study and comparison so that the identity of other material with it can be established.

Publication Year 1993
Title Type specimens and basic principles of avian taxonomy
Authors Richard C. Banks, Steven M. Goodman, Scott M. Lanyon, Thomas S. Schulenberg
Publication Type Article
Publication Subtype Journal Article
Series Title The Auk
Index ID 5223533
Record Source USGS Publications Warehouse
USGS Organization Patuxent Wildlife Research Center
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