The art of naming

More about the book

Tyrannosaurus rex, Homo sapiens, and Heteropoda davidbowie each have a unique story behind their scientific names. In this engaging book, Michael Ohl explores scientific naming as a joyful and creative endeavor. With approximately 1.8 million named plant and animal species and countless more awaiting discovery, naming is essential for understanding nature. Ohl delves into the process of naming, sharing examples, anecdotes, and a diverse array of characters. He outlines the rules of scientific nomenclature, which follow the binomial system established by Linnaeus, yet allow for personal expression. For instance, a lizard is named Barbaturex morrisoni in tribute to Jim Morrison, while a horsefly is called Scaptia beyonceae. Ohl, an expert in wasps, reveals that he named one species, Ampulex dementor, after the Harry Potter series' dementors. Scientific names can also serve as playful jabs among scientists, political statements, or romantic gestures, like naming a beetle after a beloved partner. This exploration takes readers on an intriguing journey through the world of species discovery and the creative minds behind their names, revealing the hidden corners of museums and the natural world filled with both named and yet-to-be-named species.