Glossary

taxon

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A taxonomic group or category of any rank, such as a species, genus family, or class.

Used in 40 species profiles

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Related terms

cf.
Abbreviation of the word 'confer', meaning 'compare with'. Used in the fields of systematics and taxonomy to denote specimens or populations that resemble a described taxon but differ in some respects and thus may or may not represent a distinct species.
generic name
The scientific name of a taxon with the rank of genus; the first part of a binomen or trinomen.
genital papilla
Small tube arising from the urogenital opening in some fishes through which male or female gametes are expelled. May only be visible during the reproductive period depending on taxon. Its shape can sometimes used as a feature to identify the gender of an individual.
gill raker
Any of the bony processes located on the gill arch which function to either retain food items or otherwise prevent solid matter from entering the gill chamber. Vary in number and size depending on taxon and therefore useful in identification.
invalid name
In zoological nomenclature, any available name for a taxon other than the valid name.
nominal taxon
A nomenclatural concept denoted by an available name used in an original description, and based, actually or potentially, upon its name-bearing type but having no defined taxonomic boundaries. Often used when the precise definition of a species or genus is unclear, such as when a name may refer to more than one taxon and is therefore in need of clarification.
nominotypical taxon
Nominal, subordinate taxon within a family, genus, or species group that contains the name-bearing type taxon within that group that has been divided.
oil globule
Small, spherical droplet of oil found within the yolk sac of fish larvae. There may be one or more present and the size, positioning, and colour are also variable meaning they can be useful in terms of taxon identification.
paraphyletic
In phylogenetics, a paraphyletic taxon is, loosely, an artificial grouping that does not include all descendants from the common ancestor of its members; monophyletic group from which one or more of clades is omitted in order to form an additional group.
pelvic fin
Either of the pair of fins, also known as pelvic fins, attached to the pelvic girdle in fishes that help control the direction of movement. Correspond to the hind legs in higher vertebrates and vary in position depending on taxon. Sometimes absent entirely.
polyphyletic
Relating to or characterised by descent from more than one ancestral form. A polyphyletic taxon is therefore one whose members' last common ancestor is not a member of the taxon.
population
Group of individuals of a given taxon occupying a particular geographic area or specified habitat.
reintroduction
Deliberate release of an organism or group of organisms into an area or habitat previously inhabited by the taxon but from where it has been lost. Primarily carried out for conservation purposes using specimens taken from captivity or relocated from a different area.
rejected name
In zoological nomernclature, any name, available, unavailable, or vernacular, for a taxon other than its valid name. Also referred to using the Latin term nomen rejiciendum (nom. rej.).
relict
An organism or group of organisms that exists as a remnant, typically belonging to a formerly abundant group in an environment much changed from that in which it originated; a surviving species from an otherwise extinct taxon.
saddle
Blotch-like marking extending over the dorsal surface in certain fishes. Highly variable in number and form depending on taxon, and often used as an identifying feature.
sensu stricto
Latin term meaning "in the strict sense". Used in conjunction with a taxonomic name to indicate exclusion of other names typically associated with it, or when referring to a taxon only in terms of its subordinate nominotypical taxon.
synonym
In zoological nomenclature, any of two or more names of the same taxonomic rank used to denote the same taxon. Names referred to as synonyms are not usually valid in the current sense.
synopsis
Brief outline or description of a taxon.
taxonomic
Of or relating to taxonomy.
type designation
Determination and selection of the type of a taxon.
valid name
The correct, currently-accepted scientific name for a taxon.
ventral-fin
Either of the pair of fins, also known as pelvic fins, attached to the pelvic girdle in fishes that help control the direction of movement. Correspond to the hind legs in higher vertebrates and vary in position depending on taxon. Sometimes absent entirely.
vernacular name
Local; common; colloquial name of an animal or plant taxon. The name of a taxon in any language other than that of zoological nomenclature.
vestigial
Character or morphological feature having attained a simplified structure and reduced size, function and importance during the evolution of a taxon.

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