1
$\begingroup$

The Linnaean classification system classifies and groups organisms into taxonomic groups: Kingdom, Phylum, Class, etc. Obviously, a clade at any taxonomic level is uniquely determined by its classification at this level and all its parents in the hierarchy, e.g., Kingdom = Bacteria, Phylum = Firmicutes, Class = Clostridia uniquely identifies a group of bacteria. But is this group also uniquely identified by just Clostridia? Or are there situations where two Phylums might both contain Classes with the same name?

Since Genus & Species are typically used to identify organisms, I would assume that combinations of these at least are unique. As @Jam pointed out in the comments, Species alone is not enough. Note, however, that I am not asking about the binomial name for a species - I am asking about uniqueness among higher levels of aggregation, such as Class, Order, and Family.

Improve this question
$\endgroup$
4

1 Answer 1

Reset to default
3
$\begingroup$

There are quite a few biological homonyms (especially at the genus level, which apparently you aren't asking about). At the family taxonomic level, the Interim Register of Marine and Nonmarine Genera (IRMNG) currently lists 100 family names which are used for two or more distinct taxa.

Improve this answer
$\endgroup$
1
  • $\begingroup$ Are there any homonyms between taxa above family rank: classes, phyla, types? $\endgroup$
    – Ivan Z
    Commented Dec 25, 2018 at 12:32

You must log in to answer this question.

Not the answer you're looking for? Browse other questions tagged .