The genitive of species-group scientific names formed from personal names

Abstract

To avoid confusion with citations of a generic name and its author, the International Code of Zoological Nomenclature encourages specific names based on personal names to be instigated in the genitive case. The Latin genitive suffix also indicates the gender and singular or plural state of the modified proper noun. Some zoologists have interpreted Article 31 as stipulating that these latter should always correspond with the gender and singular or plural state of the person or persons commemorated. They believe the original spelling is justifiably emended if, in their view, the author or authors have employed the incorrect suffix. We contend that the gender and singular or plural state of a noun so employed is part of its etymology and unregulated by the Code. The author's selection of suffix should be respected and the original spelling preserved. We offer a rewording of Article 31 to remedy this ambiguity.