Advanced search
Start date
Betweenand
Related content
(Reference retrieved automatically from SciELO through information on FAPESP grant and its corresponding number as mentioned in the publication by the authors.)

A study on the etymology of the scientific names given to planarians (Platyhelminthes, Tricladida) by Ernest Marcus’ school

Full text
Author(s):
Priscila Donegá Jasper [1] ; Eudóxia Maria Froehlich [2] ; Fernando Carbayo [3]
Total Authors: 3
Affiliation:
[1] Universidade de São Paulo. Escola de Artes Ciências e Humanidades. Laboratório de Ecologia e Evolução - Brasil
[2] Universidade de São Paulo. Instituto de Biociências. Departamento de Zoologia - Brasil
[3] Universidade de São Paulo. Escola de Artes Ciências e Humanidades. Laboratório de Ecologia e Evolução - Brasil
Total Affiliations: 3
Document type: Journal article
Source: Papéis Avulsos de Zoologia (São Paulo); v. 61, 2021-02-07.
Abstract

Abstract Leading zoologist and taxonomist Ernest Marcus (1893-1968) and his school described numerous new invertebrate taxa, including planarians, or triclads (Platyhelminthes). These authors rarely provided the etymology of names for the new taxa. In this paper, the etymology of 149 names of genera and specific epithets of planarians lacking etymology (or honoring people) is investigated. The etymology of most names was retrieved from original descriptive papers and from Eudóxia Maria Froehlich’s recollections, a fellow of Marcus’ school. It was discovered that the names were usually freely derived from words of the language spoken in the country where the species was found. Some names were motivated by an aspect of the biology of the species. Other names honored people or are arbitrary. The etymology of 19 names could not be retrieved and are only suggested. The origin of another 19 names could not be discovered, nor even their meaning. Knowing the etymology makes it easier to memorize a name and it is a way to preserve the historical and emotional aspects of the authors. Through the retrieved etymologies, the personality of Marcus can also be glimpsed. (AU)

FAPESP's process: 19/12357-7 - Integrative taxonomic studies of Neotropical land planarians (Platyhelminthes, Tricladida), with emphasis on the Brazilian and Chilean diversity, and their areas of endemisms in the Atlantic Forest
Grantee:Fernando Jesús Carbayo Baz
Support Opportunities: Regular Research Grants