Nannoplankton taxonomy and the International Code of Nomenclature for algae, fungi, and plants (ICN).

Abstract

In 2012, the International Code of Nomenclature for algae, fungi, and plants was published, which has ramifications for nannoplankton workers. The main changes that are relevant to us are: 1) certain forms of electronic publication are now acceptable, 2) English instead of Latin may now be used in descriptions and diagnoses of extant organisms, and 3) the morphotaxon concept for fossil plants and algae has been abandoned. Furthermore, names of genera based on extant types now have priority over those based on fossil types. This may cause a potential problem in the future for at least four genera with fossil types: Cruciplacolithus and Reticulofenestra (nannoplankton) and Dictyocha and Stephanocha (silicoflagellates). Herein, some of the rules and recommendations are explained, with nannoplankton and silicoflagellate examples.