An analysis of taxonomic studies on Rotifera: A case study

Abstract

Results are presented of a historical analysis of taxonomic research on Rotifera, as reflected by the case of α-taxonomy of Lecanidae and Dicranophoridae. The number of available names established, as well as the fraction presently considered valid are counted per decade. Two peak periods in taxonomic research are revealed, viz. a minor one in the last decades of the 19th century, and a major one in the 1920s-1930s. Especially work published during the second period contains a high proportion of names that are currently considered valid. The second half of the 20th century witnessed a decrease in quantity, but also in quality of taxonomic research. The basic cause for this is probably the typological approach to a group exhibiting high intraspecific morphological variability, but also poor taxonomic education, as reflected by a high incidence of insufficient descriptions, and poor knowledge of the rules governing zoological nomenclature, are of incisive importance.