Species synonyms depict changing but taxon-independent taxonomic praxis

Evolutionary biology, taxonomy, and marine biology.

This preprint analyzes the synonymization of marine species names over time. It operates within the widely accepted paradigms of evolutionary biology and taxonomy, specifically focusing on how species are defined and how our understanding of their diversity changes with time. The research uses established methods and datasets, such as the World Register of Marine Species (WoRMS), to examine trends in species descriptions and synonymization. The authors find consistent patterns across different taxa, suggesting a gradual change in taxonomic practices and a narrowing of species concepts over time. These findings contribute to the existing body of knowledge within the field but do not challenge fundamental assumptions or propose radical new theories. Thus, the study fits within the framework of 'normal science' as described by Kuhn.