What detail about Anaxyrus baxteri does the specific epithet baxteri commemorate?
Answer
The individual who first collected the species
The specific epithet, or the second part of the binomial nomenclature, *baxteri*, was intentionally chosen to honor the specific person responsible for making the initial collection of this species. This practice is common in taxonomy, recognizing the contribution of early researchers or collectors who first documented a species, even if the species later receives a new genus designation. This naming convention is independent of the species' ecological role, distribution, or formal classification rank, focusing purely on historical discovery credit.
Related Questions
What detail about Anaxyrus baxteri does the specific epithet baxteri commemorate?To which historical genus was the Wyoming Toad classified before the genus Anaxyrus was established?Which two specific river drainages define the endemic habitat of Anaxyrus baxteri?Placement in the Family Bufonidae confirms the Wyoming Toad possesses which characteristic features?What federal conservation status is officially recognized for Anaxyrus baxteri by U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service?What underlying scientific reason necessitated the reassignment from Bufo to Anaxyrus?What anatomical feature distinguishes members of the Order Anura, where A. baxteri is placed?Other than genetic data, what physical trait is noted as a feature to distinguish A. baxteri in the field?Despite being endemic to a relatively well-studied area, around what year was Anaxyrus baxteri formally described?How does the specific classification of Anaxyrus baxteri guide captive breeding and reintroduction plans?