A Guide to Constructing and Understanding Synonymies for Mammalian Species

Abstract

The following guidelines are organized in 3 major sections. First, we provide information on the format for genus- and species level synonymies and information the editors may require when you submit a manuscript for consideration as a Mammalian Species publication. Next, we discuss understanding, researching, and constructing synonymies; this is the main body of the guidelines and each section and subsection is preceded by codes that facilitate cross-reference. Finally, we have included information that should be useful for finding names, locating literature, and understanding terminology. A number of colleagues have read and commented on various drafts during the development of these guidelines, and its present form reflects their valuable contributions. We are especially grateful to F. Christian Thompson, USDA Systematic Entomology Laboratory, National Museum of Natural History, for numerous discussions and valuable advice. Others whose comment and criticisms are greatly appreciated are Richard C. Banks, Robert D. Fisher, Robert P. Reynolds, and Neal Woodman of the Biological Survey Unit, USGS Patuxent Wildlife Research Center, National Museum of Natural History; Robert S. Hoffmann and Don E. Wilson of the Division of Mammals, National Museum of Natural History; Judith L. Eger, Department of Mammalogy, Royal Ontario Museum, Toronto; and members of the Nomenclature Committee of the American Society of Mammalogists