synonym
Also known as taxonomic synonym, synonym (taxonomy), taxon synonym
one of two or more names that apply to the same taxon
AI overview
A synonym is an alternative name for the same organism or group of organisms in scientific classification. Synonyms matter because they help scientists track when the same species has been named multiple times by different researchers, avoiding confusion in scientific communication.
AI-generated from the Wikipedia summary — may contain errors.
Wikidata facts
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- Begonia tetragona-NMNH-00327687.jpg
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Article
In biological taxonomy, a synonym is one of two or more scientific names that apply to the same taxon. The botanical and zoological codes of nomenclature treat the concept of synonymy differently.
In botanical nomenclature, a synonym is a scientific name that applies to a taxon that now goes by a different scientific name. For example, Linnaeus was the first to give a scientific name (under the currently used system of scientific nomenclature) to the Norway spruce, which he called Pinus abies. This name is no longer in use, so it is now a synonym of the current scientific name, Picea abies.