Rebel with a Rulebook: What to Do with the 300-Year-Old Rules for Biological Names

Species—and higher categories of life—are given names through the practice known as taxonomy. But the traditional rules that govern these names predate evolutionary thinking. To keep biological names meaningful, scientists are bending, or outright breaking, the rules to accommodate new discoveries. Rule following is now seen as a rebellious act. As a consummate rule follower, Jason Downs argues that rules should be followed until they no longer work—then they should be rewritten. Biology is at that revolution point; our speaker is in the thick of it and ready to report on where we stand.

About the Speaker

Jason Downs earned his PhD from Yale University and has actively collected and researched Devonian vertebrate fossils for his entire professional career. He is on the faculty of the Wagner Free Institute of Science, where he teaches courses on geology and evolutionary biology. He is also associate professor of biology at Delaware Valley University and research associate in the Vertebrate Paleontology Group at the Academy of Natural Sciences of Drexel University.

About the Series

Science on Tap is a monthly speaker series that features brief, informal presentations by Philadelphia-based scientists and other experts followed by lively conversation and a Q&A. The goal is to promote enthusiasm for science in a fun, spirited, and accessible way, while also meeting new people. Come join the conversation!