Main Content

The World of Protozoa, Rotifera, Nematoda and Oligochaeta

Ref ID : 7792

John O. Corliss; The pear-shaped controversy, particularly as related to the name of the type-species of the protozoan genus Tetrahymena: "pyriformis" (and pyriform) or "piriformis" (and piriform)? Trans.Amer.Micros.Soc. 93(3):392-399, 1974

Reprint

In File

Notes

Although perhaps not widely appreciated, resolution of the sometimes lingering problem of whether or not to use a "y" (or an "i") in the spelling of the specific epithet pyriformis (piriformis) in scientific names -and in the formation of the related vernacular adjectival form pyriform (piriform)- has already been achieved. The approved usage, however, may justifiably vary with the case. With respect to the generic name of the ciliate Tetrahymena, the "y" now must be used in the specific name T. pyriformis. In other cases, for example, for the sporozoan parasite Eimeria piriformis, the "i" spelling may be considered correct. Freedom of choice exists in regard to the adjectival form; but pyriform, with the "y", is the logical one to employ in reference to the form of the body of the ciliate protozoan species in question. Both "pyriform" and "piriform" mean "pear-shaped"; but the adjective "pyroform" is an entirely separate word, with a different meaning, and should not be -though it sometimes has been - involved at all in the controversy.