Q.51 Given below are two statements:
Statement I: It is valid to accept the applicability of generic name Cecropia for moths as well a tropical tree
species.
Statement II: According to nomenclatural codes, same names are not allowed across the codes.
In the light of the above statements. choose the most appropriate answer from the options given below:
1. Both Statement I and Statement II are correct
2. Both Statement I and Statement II are incorrect
3. Statement I is correct but Statement II is incorrect
4. Statement I is incorrect but Statement II is correct
Both Statement I and Statement II are correct.
Detailed Explanation
Statement I: Valid to accept “Cecropia” as a generic name for both moths (originally Phalaena cecropia Linnaeus, 1758, now Hyalophora cecropia) and tropical trees (Cecropia genus, Urticaceae family). Nomenclatural codes permit identical generic names across kingdoms (Animalia vs. Plantae) since they operate independently.
Statement II: Correct—ICN (botany), ICZN (zoology), ICNB (bacteria), etc., prohibit homonyms within their own code but allow name reuse across codes. “Cecropia” is valid in both zoology (moth) and botany (tree) as codes don’t coordinate.
Options Explained
1. Both correct: Correct—Cecropia exemplifies cross-code name sharing; ICN/ICZN independent.
2. Both incorrect: Wrong—I valid per actual usage; II reflects code separation.
3. I correct, II incorrect: Wrong—II accurately states intra-code prohibition.
4. I incorrect, II correct: Wrong—”Cecropia” legitimately used for both taxa.
Introduction
Same names are not allowed across the codes is false between codes but true within each: Cecropia legitimately names both giant silk moths (Hyalophora cecropia) and Neotropical ant-trees (Cecropia spp.). ICZN governs animal Cecropia; ICN governs plant Cecropia—independent operation permits this reuse.
Cross-Code Nomenclature Rules
| Code | Taxon | Cecropia Example | Authority |
|---|---|---|---|
| ICZN (Zoology) | Moths | Hyalophora cecropia | Linnaeus 1758 |
| ICN (Botany) | Trees | Cecropia spp. | Urticaceae pioneer trees |
Key Principle: No coordination between codes = name conflicts allowed across kingdoms.
Common Cross-Code Examples
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Corvus: Crows (birds, ICZN) + fossil plants (ICN)
-
Acarus: Mites (ICZN) + algae (ICN)
-
Ficus: Fig trees (ICN) + wasp genus (ICZN)
Exam Relevance
Tests understanding of code independence vs. intra-code homonymy prohibition. Remember: “Cecropia flies AND grows!”
