Abbreviation for Subspecies

Discussion in 'Plants: Nomenclature and Taxonomy' started by Junglekeeper, Aug 11, 2004.

  1. Junglekeeper

    Junglekeeper Esteemed Contributor 10 Years

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    What is the proper abbreviation for subspecies according to ICBN? Is it 'subsp.' or 'ssp.'? Is one preferable to the other if both are acceptable?
     
  2. Daniel Mosquin

    Daniel Mosquin Paragon of Plants UBC Botanical Garden Forums Administrator Forums Moderator 10 Years

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    I believe both are acceptable according to the ICBN, but subsp. is used in all of the examples throughout the text, so that is what ought to be followed. We use subsp. on our labels at the garden and throughout the website, although our accessioning system currently uses ssp.
     
  3. Junglekeeper

    Junglekeeper Esteemed Contributor 10 Years

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    Thanks, Daniel.
     
  4. Cereusly Steve

    Cereusly Steve Active Member

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    ssp. is preferable over subsp. by merit of practical economy of the abbreviation using fewer characters.
     
  5. Daniel Mosquin

    Daniel Mosquin Paragon of Plants UBC Botanical Garden Forums Administrator Forums Moderator 10 Years

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    If it wasn't stated in the old St. Louis code, it is mentioned in the latest Vienna code:

     
  6. coelacanth

    coelacanth Active Member

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    I was curious as well so here is an update.

    The official recommendation continues to be "subsp." as per the newer (2011) ICN, or International Code of Nomenclature for algae, fungi, and plants, but some online databases use ssp. (e.g. USDA, ITIS), while others use subsp. (e.g. Tropicos, GCC).

    http://www.iapt-taxon.org/nomen/main.php?page=art5&emph=subsp
     

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