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The Conversation
The Conversation
Desalegn Chala, Researcher, Natural History Museum, University of Oslo

A blind beetle named Hitler? The case for changing offensive names of animals and plants, and how it can be done

Adolf Hitler Beyonce Knowles’ Earth Diversity
German dictator Adolf Hitler, after whom a species of blind beetle is named. Roger Viollet via Getty Images

Taxonomy is the science of describing, classifying and naming organisms. It organises the vast diversity of life on Earth. Species are grouped based on shared characteristics, providing a system that allows scientists to understand and communicate about the natural world.

Naming species is no simple task: a scientist doesn’t just assign a name and call it a day. Taxonomy is a carefully structured process governed by strict international rules such as the International Code of Nomenclature for algae, fungi and plants.

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