What naming convention, where genus and specific epithet match, applies to *Gorilla gorilla*?
Answer
Tautonym
The scientific name *Gorilla gorilla* exemplifies a tautonym, which is a naming convention in zoology where the genus name and the specific epithet are identical. This construction, while permissible in zoology (unlike botany), historically served to formally designate that species as the type species for the genus *Gorilla*. This means *Gorilla gorilla* acts as the representative example anchoring the definition of the entire genus group, serving as a direct historical marker of the initial classification process.
Related Questions
Who provided the formal description for *Gorilla gorilla* in 1847?What Family level taxon groups *Gorilla gorilla* with humans and orangutans?What is the estimated population range for the Cross River Gorilla (*G. g. diehli*)?What naming convention, where genus and specific epithet match, applies to *Gorilla gorilla*?Approximately how long ago did the Eastern Gorilla (*G. beringei*) and *Gorilla gorilla* diverge?Which subspecies of *Gorilla gorilla* is designated as the nominate subspecies?How do Western gorillas' hair coloration generally contrast with Eastern gorillas?What was the initial, now invalid, genus name Savage applied to *Gorilla gorilla*?Gorillas are placed in which Suborder within the Order Primates classification?Conservation efforts must be heavily weighted toward *G. g. diehli* due to what factor?