2024/10/30 by Desalegn Chala, Dag Endresen, Sebsebe Demissew +3 · 2 voices
Agricultural and Biological Sciences · Biochemistry, Genetics and Molecular Biology · Environmental Science · #Botanical Studies and Applications #Genetic diversity and population structure #Species Distribution and Climate Change
paper · pdf · doi:10.1073/pnas.2415490121
openalex publication_date 2024/10/30 · openalex created_date 2025/10/10 · openalex updated_date 2026/07/09
When Carl Linnaeus invented binomial nomenclature in the 18th century, it provided a universal language for scientists. Giving each species a unique name is essential for effective communication, storage, and retrieval of biological information, as well as formulating conservation strategies. However, many scientific names are problematic. Some, such as the scorpion genus Hottentotta, reflect historical biases and perpetuate injustice. Others, like the lizard Uta stansburiana, carry colonial legacies, which reflect not only structural racism, but also the subjugation and exploitation of Indigenous populations. There are concerns about gender bias and the use of derogatory terms and racial slurs, while the blind beetle Anophthalmus hitleri surely has no place in science.