How scientists officially name the world's hidden inhabitants

Nature · Published 29 September 2026 Swipe more like this →

In short: Out of an estimated 8.7 million species on Earth, we have only formally described about 1.9 million. The process of naming a new organism is far more than just a creative exercise; it is a rigorous legalistic procedure governed by international codes to ensure scientific clarity.

A species description is a formal scientific publication that distinguishes a newly discovered organism from its relatives. To be considered valid, these descriptions must adhere to strict nomenclature codes, such as the International Code of Zoological Nomenclature (ICZN) for animals, or the ICN for plants, algae, and fungi. This process involves selecting at least one type specimen and often includes detailed illustrations or photographs of the material, which is then deposited in a permanent repository.

Naming conventions are often driven by physical traits, geography, or even celebrity culture. While many names are Latinized versions of various languages, they can also be 'eponyms'—names dedicated to people. This ranges from honoring Queen Victoria to naming a lemur after John Cleese. Some names even serve as fundraising tools; the German organization BIOPAT has used species sponsorship to raise over $450,000 for conservation, including the naming of a monkey after a $650,000 donation to a Bolivian national park in 2005.

The history of cataloging life is ancient, stretching from Aristotle’s 'History of Animals' around 343 BC to Pliny the Elder’s 'Natural History' in 77 AD. While early works often included mythological creatures like the manticore, the modern era of standardized taxonomy began with Carl Linnaeus and his 1735 'Systema Naturae'. Today, the volume of descriptions is at an all-time peak, though the practice of describing species without voucher specimens remains a point of scientific controversy.

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