While many species names hark from descriptions or notable features of the organism there’s also the opportunity for scientists to name a species after a person, though it’s etiquette not to name a species after yourself. Here are some species names after more notable famous people.
Many famous people have been honoured with a species named after them.
White is a rare colour in nature and though these creatures are beautiful, their colouring comes with disadvantages, such as poor eyesight, and increased risk of sunburn and being seen by predators.
Ghostly whales, snowy wallabies and whitewashed peacocks – albinism’s rarity in the wild lends it mystique.
Entrants from 34 countries have been recognized by the Global Arctic Awards. The competition, to capture the best scenes from the Arctic region, is in its second year. The government of the Yamal-Nenets Autonomous region and the Russian Geographic Society both supported this awareness raising project. www.arcticawards.ru/winners2013
The discovery of a well-preserved crocodile fossils sheds light on the evolution of reptiles.
New research narrows down where giant earthquakes are likely to hit
While the world watches and governments and scientists argue about salinity and water resources, families living at the mouth of the Murray River are working to find their own solutions.
Species names may sound formal, but look further and you’ll see the joke.
Scientists do have a sense of humour after all. While the Latin scientific names may seem formal, behind some of them are in-jokes and puns that will make you groan.